Polygala lutea
A biennial herb in the Polygalaceae native to the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States, it grows in wet, sandy or boggy soils, bears bright orange flowers, thrives in full sun, is valued for ornamental use, and relies on butterflies and other pollinators.
Common Names
Orange Milkwort, Candy Weed, Yellow Milkwort
Summary
Orange Milkwort is a biennial herb reaching about 1–2 feet tall, with a basal rosette of oblong to spatulate leaves and erect stems bearing dense head-like racemes of bright orange flowers (yellow when dried). It blooms from spring through fall across the eastern United States, often in open, wet habitats such as pine barrens and bogs where wet sandy or peaty soils prevail. Outdoor cultivation requires full sun and wet acidic soil, and it is listed for USDA zones 6a–9b, propagation is by seeds produced after flowering, and it serves as an environmental ornamental in landscapes. Yellow leaves may occur as part of the life cycle or from overwatering, and remedy involves replacing soggy soil and adjusting watering. The plant is not known to harm humans or pets.
Lifecycle
Biennial
Height
18-19.5 inches
Spread
4-12 inches
Hardiness Zones
Zones 6a-9b
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally Full Sun, does not tolerate low light.
Soil Type
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Soil Drainage
Well-draining soil
Soil pH
Low pH (acidic soil)
Bloom Color
Orange
Bloom Time
Spring through Fall
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green, Yellow
Leaf Lifecycle
Other
Growth Rate
Biennial; grows to about 1–2 feet tall
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Propagation Methods
Seeds
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- L.
- Publication
- Sp. Pl. : 705 (1753)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Fabales
- Family
- Polygalaceae
- Genus
- Polygala