Contents
Description
Polygala Peduncularis, commonly known as the Milkwort, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in the pine savannas, sandhills, and coastal plains. Polygala Peduncularis grows up to 20 inches tall and has thin, wiry stems that are covered with small, narrow leaves. The plant produces clusters of small, pink to purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Polygala |
Appearance
Polygala Peduncularis has thin, wiry stems that grow up to 20 inches tall. The plant’s leaves are small, narrow, and arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are green and can grow up to 1 inch long. The plant produces clusters of small, pink to purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are about 1/4 inch wide and have five petals. The petals are fused at the base to form a tube, and the upper petal has a fringed edge.
Care Guide
Water
Polygala Peduncularis prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season.
Fertilization
Polygala Peduncularis does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Soil
Polygala Peduncularis prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate sandy soils and poor soils.
Sunlight
Polygala Peduncularis prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as well in low light conditions.
Hardiness Zones
Polygala Peduncularis is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polygala Peduncularis is relatively pest-free. However, the plant may be susceptible to root rot if it is grown in poorly draining soils. It is also prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, if it is grown in humid conditions.
Habitat
Polygala Peduncularis is native to the southeastern United States and is commonly found in the pine savannas, sandhills, and coastal plains. The plant prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate sandy soils and poor soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polygala Peduncularis a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Polygala Peduncularis is a perennial plant.
Q: Does Polygala Peduncularis prefer full sun or partial shade?
A: Polygala Peduncularis prefers full sun to partial shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Polygala Peduncularis?
A: Polygala Peduncularis is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Q: Does Polygala Peduncularis require regular fertilization?
A: Polygala Peduncularis does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Related Plants
- Polygala Lutea
- Polygala Paucifolia
- Polygala Senega
- Polygala Vulgaris
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Polygala peduncularis. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287788
- North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Polygala peduncularis. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/polygala-peduncularis/
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). PLANTS Database. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=POPE12
