SafePlants

Polygala verticillata: Whorled Milkwort

Polygala verticillata, commonly known as Whorled Milkwort, is a fascinating plant with distinctive features. This page provides detailed information about its classification, characteristics, and distribution.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant grows as an herb.
• The plant produces small flowers, approximately 1/8 inch in size.
• It is also found on the sandy edges of saltmarshes.

Considerations for Children

• This plant grows as an herb.
• The plant produces small flowers, approximately 1/8 inch in size.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Polygala verticillata L.
• Common Names: Whorled Milkwort
• Family: Polygalaceae (Milkwort Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms/Subspecies: Polygala verticillata var. isocycla, Polygala verticillata Linnaeus var. verticillata

Distribution and Habitat

• Polygala verticillata is native to certain regions.
• It can be found in dry, sandy field edges and occasionally in sandy edges of saltmarshes.
• Specific locations mentioned include Garrett Co., Maryland; Allegheny Highlands Trail in western Pennsylvania; and Presque Isle County.

Morphological Characteristics

• Whorled Milkwort is an annual forb with glabrous (smooth) stems.
• The plant typically grows to a height of 5-35 cm tall, and can grow up to 40 cm.
• Leaves are whorled at the middle of the stem and are linear to linear in shape.
• It features short spikes of small, greenish to pinkish-white, irregular flowers. The flowers and the plant are described as tiny.
• Leaves are whorled all the way up the stem.

Additional Information

• The flowers bloom from June to September.

Related Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Polygala verticillata.
• Montana Field Guide
• Dave's Garden
• Wikimedia Commons
• Nearctica