Bitter milkwort (Polygala polygama, Fl. carol. 179. 1788)

Family: Polygalaceae

Author: Walter

Bibliography: Fl. carol. 179. 1788

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polygala

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Bitter milkwort, scientifically known as Polygala polygama, is an intriguing member of the Polygalaceae family. First documented in 1788 by Walter in “Fl. carol. 179,” this plant boasts a wide geographic distribution, thriving in regions spanning from Eastern Canada to Central and Eastern United States.

The plant is well-regarded for its resilience and adaptability to various environmental conditions across its native range. Its remarkable ability to grow in diverse habitats is a testament to its hardiness, making it a fascinating subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts.

Bitter milkwort typically features slender, erect stems and delicate, vibrant flowers which vary in color, adding a touch of elegance to its natural surroundings. The blooms are often a captivating focal point, attracting a variety of pollinators, thereby playing an essential role in the local ecosystem.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Polygala polygama holds potential medicinal value, historically used in various traditional remedies. This dual role of beauty and utility makes bitter milkwort a plant of significant interest for both scientific research and conservation efforts.

Understanding the ecology and distribution of bitter milkwort not only enhances our appreciation of this particular species but also contributes to our broader understanding of plant diversity and resilience in North American flora.

Common Names

Eng: bitter milkwort, racemed milkwort
Fra: polygale polygame, polygala polygame
En: Bitter milkwort, Racemed milkwort
Fr: Polygale polygame, Polygala polygame

Synonyms

• Anthalogea polygama ((Walter) Nieuwl.)
• Polygala polygama var. ramulosa (Farw.)
• Polygala polygama f. pallida (Britton ex Hollick)
• Polygala polygama var. abortiva (Chodat)
• Polygala polygama f. ramulosa ((Farw.) E.G.Voss)
• Polygala aboriginum (Small)
• Polygala polygama var. obtusata (Chodat)
• Polygala rubella (Willd.)
• Polygala polygama f. albiflora (House)
• Polygala polygama var. macrospora (Chodat)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Debbye (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2021 by Heather Anne Walter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2013 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jun 20, 2013 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 20, 2013 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 11, 2020 by Gwen Brown (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by EOL − Dave Scamardella (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by EOL − Dave Scamardella (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3191425)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:692076-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polygala polygama Walter)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth