Longleaf Milkpea

Galactia longifolia

Native to:
Argentina, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Haiti, Leeward Is., Paraguay, Puerto Rico, United States, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Galactia
Species:
Galactia longifolia
USDA Symbol:
GALO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rootstock following fire; common in fire-maintained pine flatwoods and sandhills.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal areas with sandy soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Scarification of the hard seed coat improves germination rates. Seeds may benefit from inoculation with rhizobia.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI