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Description
Polygala Nana, also known as Dwarf Milkwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Polygalaceae. The plant is native to the eastern United States and grows in sandy or rocky soils, often in open woods or meadows.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Polygala |
Appearance
The Polygala Nana plant grows up to 6 inches tall with a spread of 8 to 12 inches. It has a dense, mat-forming habit with small, oval-shaped leaves that are about half an inch long. The leaves are a light green color with a smooth texture. The flowers of the plant are small and purple in color, blooming in the spring and summer months. The flowers have a unique shape, resembling a bird’s beak with a yellow tip. The plant produces seed pods that are about a quarter inch long and contain small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Polygala Nana is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil 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 soils that are slightly acidic. A sandy or rocky soil is ideal.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polygala Nana is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that may arise:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can damage the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Polygala Nana is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing in sandy or rocky soils, often in open woods or meadows. The plant is typically found in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polygala Nana tolerate drought conditions?
A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate extended periods of drought.
Q: Can Polygala Nana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should Polygala Nana be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How often should Polygala Nana be watered?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Polygala Lutea (Orange Milkwort)
- Polygala Paucifolia (Gaywings)
- Polygala Senega (Seneca Snakeroot)
- Polygala Vulgaris (Common Milkwort)
References
- “Polygala nana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
- “Polygala nana.” North Carolina State University. www.ces.ncsu.edu
- “Polygala nana.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. www.hort.uconn.edu
