Scientific Family
Polygalaceae
Synonyms
Polygala longa, Polygala racemosa, Polygala reducta, Polygala tenuiloba
Other common names
slenderlobe milkwort
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Similar species
Polygala obscura
Height
To 2 feet
Riparian
No
Small, upright, airy subshrub with very narrow leaves running sparsely up the stems. Small, purple flowers are found in elongated clusters at the tops of the stems. Ascending, stiff, crowded stems; stems densely leafy, flexuous and densely hairy.
Narrower leaves than P. obscura and seed capsules are only hairy at the margins, whereas the seed capsules of P. obscura are covered with velvety hairs. Base is somewhat woody and does not die down each year.
Habitat
Found on the banks of arroyos and rocky hillsides.
Plant Community
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
5000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers have 2 petal-like lateral bracts (sepals) and a tubular, dorsally-cleft, central keel of fused petals. Flowers are on spike-like but short branched stems.
Flower color
Purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The leaves are green, alternate and very narrow. The stems are green and upright.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Oval, about a 1/2 inch long, finely veined (veins in the form of a network).
Fruit type
Capsule