SafePlants

White Milkwort (Polygala alba)

White Milkwort, scientifically known as Polygala alba, is a delicate wildflower belonging to the Milkwort family.

Considerations for Pets

• Grazing animals tend to avoid White Milkwort because of its bitter taste.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Polygalaceae (Milkwort Family)
• Genus: Polygala
• Species: Polygala alba
• Synonyms: Polygala alba var. suspecta S. Watson, Polygala alba var. tenuifolia
• Common Names: White Milkwort, Milkwort, White Polygala

Distribution and Habitat

• White Milkwort is common on the Great Plains.
• It can be found growing in clay and limestone fields.
• Reported in Texas, Nebraska, and can be found in central North America.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial plant with numerous slender, erect stems, typically ranging from 10-30 cm in height.
• Stems are angled and glabrous (smooth).
• Leaves are alternate and simple, measuring 5-25 mm long.
• Flowers are tiny, white, and bilaterally symmetrical, arranged in a narrowly shaped terminal inflorescence.
• Perennial from a branched caudex.

Ecological Role

• Listed as having poor value for wildlife.

Quirky Facts

• One observer described the flowers as resembling "little upside-down clusters of grapes!"
• White Milkwort is noted as being easily overlooked due to its small size and low-growing habit.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, related species were used by Native Americans for snakebite remedies.

Further Resources

• Lewis and Clark Herbarium/Academy of Natural Sciences
• Discover Life
• Encyclopedia.com