Native Plants
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Polygala cruciata
Polygala cruciata L.
Drumheads, Candy Root, Crossleaf Milkwort, Cross-leaved Milkwort
Polygalaceae (Milkwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: POCR
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Candy Root requires moisture and is found primarily on the coastal plains. It grows up to 12+ inches high and has few branches. The narrow leaves are in whorls of 4. Flowers are usually pink or purplish, occasionally white, and grow in a compact cluster, 1 1/2 inches in diameter, around the upper 2-3 inches of the stem.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Flowers are usually pink or purplish, occasionally white.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WI , WVNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | OBL | OBL | FACW | OBL | FACW | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. LoughmillerSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Polygala cruciata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Polygala cruciata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polygala cruciata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-01Research By: TWC Staff