Scientific Family
Polygalaceae
Synonyms
Polygala orthotrica, Polygala puberula
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
6 to 12 inches
Riparian
No
A sub-shrub with numerous upright, green stems.
Keel petal without a conical or cylindric beak; upper petals are purplish; plant woody towards the base with numerous stems.
Habitat
Grows at mid-elevations on south facing slopes in sandy or rocky soils.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
6500
Flower Characteristics
The flower is similar to that of the legumes. In consists of five sepals with the lower two joining to form a yellow tinted keel.
Flower color
Purplish-pink
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 broadly linear to narrowly lanceolate.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit is thin, notched, and flattened.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Light green