Native Plants
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Polygala obscura
Polygala obscura Benth.
Velvetseed Milkwort
Polygalaceae (Milkwort Family)
Synonym(s): Polygala orthotricha, Polygala puberula
USDA Symbol: POOB
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Velvetseed Milkwort has orchid-colored sepals and petals a shade lighter. The flowers are no more than 3/8 inch across, growing alternately on the tiny stem. Like many small flowers, these have an intricate design, and a hand lens is necessary for detailed viewing. The plant grows 6-24 inches high with alternate leaves 1 inch or more long, smooth and slightly gray-green.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Subshrub
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall, occasionally taller.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Purple , VioletBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXBibliography
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 obscura in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Polygala obscura in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polygala obscura
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-01Research By: TWC Staff