Milkwort Jewelflower

Streptanthus polygaloides

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Brassicaceae
Genus:
Streptanthus
Species:
Streptanthus polygaloides
USDA Symbol:
STPO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

California Marble (Euchloe hyantis), Spring white (Pontia sisymbrii)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to serpentine soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds may benefit from light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI