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Polygala Calcarea

Polygala Calcarea

Description

Polygala Calcarea, commonly known as the limestone milkwort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. This plant is native to the eastern United States and can be found in the rocky and dry soils of the Appalachian Mountains. Polygala Calcarea is known for its attractive blooms that are lavender, pink, or purple in color. These flowers bloom from late spring to early fall and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Fabales
Family Polygalaceae
Genus Polygala
Species Polygala Calcarea

Appearance

Polygala Calcarea grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It has a bushy and compact growth habit and a woody stem. The leaves of this plant are small, narrow, and lance-shaped. They are arranged alternately on the stem and have a glossy texture. The flowers of Polygala Calcarea are its most striking feature. They are small, about 1/4 inch in size, and have a unique shape that resembles a bird in flight. The petals of the flowers are fused together to form a tube-like structure, and the sepals are in the shape of wings.

Care Guide

Polygala Calcarea is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during the hot summer months.- Fertilization: Fertilize Polygala Calcarea with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.- Sunlight: Polygala Calcarea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its blooming.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Polygala Calcarea is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, treat it with a fungicide.

Habitat

Polygala Calcarea is native to the eastern United States and can be found in the rocky and dry soils of the Appalachian Mountains. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Polygala Calcarea a good plant for beginners?

A: Yes, Polygala Calcarea is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginners.

Q: How often should I water Polygala Calcarea?

A: Water Polygala Calcarea deeply once a week, especially during the hot summer months.

Q: Does Polygala Calcarea attract pollinators?

A: Yes, the flowers of Polygala Calcarea attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q: What is the blooming season of Polygala Calcarea?

A: The flowers of Polygala Calcarea bloom from late spring to early fall.

Related Plants

– Polygala lutea- Polygala paucifolia- Polygala sanguinea- Polygala senega

References

– Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press, 2019.- Hilty, John. “Limestone Polygala.” Illinois Wildflowers, 2021, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/polygala_lime.html.- “Polygala calcarea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c167.

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