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Description
Polygala Verticillata, also known as Whorled Milkwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in dry and rocky areas, open woods, and prairies. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers that bloom from June to September. Its leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem and are narrow and linear in shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Polygala |
Appearance
The Whorled Milkwort can grow up to 60 cm in height and has a slender stem with whorls of narrow leaves. The leaves are about 1-2 cm long and have a smooth texture. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers that are about 4-6 mm in diameter. The flowers have a distinct shape, with two large petals and three smaller petals that form a tube-like structure. The plant blooms from June to September and produces a fruit that is a capsule with three compartments.
Care Guide
Polygala Verticillata is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some care tips to help your plant grow healthy:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be over-watered. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: The Whorled Milkwort does not need frequent fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as well.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Whorled Milkwort is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can damage the leaves and stem of the plant. You can use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. You can prevent it by watering the plant at the base and not getting the leaves wet.
- Root Rot: This disease can occur if the plant is over-watered or planted in poorly draining soil. You can prevent it by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
The Whorled Milkwort is native to North America and can be found growing in dry and rocky areas, open woods, and prairies. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polygala Verticillata a perennial plant?
A: Yes, the Whorled Milkwort is a herbaceous perennial plant.
Q: What is the blooming period of the plant?
A: The plant blooms from June to September.
Q: What is the preferred growing condition of the plant?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Q: What is the size of the plant?
A: The Whorled Milkwort can grow up to 60 cm in height.
Related Plants
- Polygala Paucifolia
- Polygala Senega
- Polygala Sanguinea
- Polygala Nuttallii
References
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=POVE2
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POVE2
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/polygala_verticillata.shtml
