Grayleaf Milkwort
Polygala polifolia
- Native to:
- Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Caroline Is., China, Guam, Hainan, India, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Nansei-shoto, New Guinea, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Koninklijke Nederlands Botanische Vereniging,Dudley, William Russel, 1849-1911,Broeck, Henri van den,Jackson, Joseph, 1847-,Merriam, C. Hart (Clinton Hart), 1855-1942,Coolidge Rare Plant Gardens,Carl Anton von Meyer (en.wikipedia.org),Chickering, John White, 1831-1913 Coues, Elliott, 1842-1899 Dawson, George Mercer, 1849-1901
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygalaceae
- Genus:
- Polygala
- Species:
- Polygala polifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- POPO23
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
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:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds may have low viability; vegetative propagation often more reliable.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI