Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Polygalaceae

Genus:

Senega

Species:

Senega mariana

USDA Symbol:

POMA8

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

white, pink

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:

Tolerates fire in pine savanna and bog habitats; resprouts from rootstock after low-intensity burns.

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 areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI