Polygala lutea, commonly known as yellow milkwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Polygalaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States and has a distinctive yellow flower that blooms from May to July. It is often found in sandy soils, pine savannas, and dry open woods.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Polygala |
Appearance
The Polygala lutea plant grows up to 2 feet tall and has a woody base. The leaves are simple, alternate, and narrow, with a length of 1-3 inches. The flowers are bright yellow and grow in clusters at the top of the stems. The petals are fused into a tube, with two larger outer petals and three smaller inner petals. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Polygala lutea is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil. If the soil is heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Polygala lutea thrives in full sun or partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polygala lutea is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues you may encounter:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves. Use a miticide to control the infestation.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can cause root rot. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-drained and do not overwater.
Habitat
Polygala lutea is native to the southeastern United States, where it is found in sandy soils, pine savannas, and dry open woods. It is a common plant in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polygala lutea a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, Polygala lutea is a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Q: How often should I water Polygala lutea?
A: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Polygala lutea?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Q: What is the best soil type for Polygala lutea?
A: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil. If the soil is heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Related Plants
- Polygala cymosa
- Polygala paucifolia
- Polygala sanguinea
- Polygala violacea
References
- “Polygala lutea – Yellow Milkwort.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/fp203
- “Polygala lutea.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=polu3
- “Polygala lutea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f530
