Irish wildflowers BSBI map

Heath Milkwort, Polygala serpyllifolia, Na deirfiúiríní
Photographs: Co.Cork

Heath Milkwort
Polygala serpyllifolia
Na deirfiúiríní
Family: Polygalaceae

Flowering time: May-September. Perennial. Native.

Flowers are usually deep blue but they can also be mauve, pink or white. Usually less than 10 on main stem. Sepals more/less acute. The narrow hairless leaves are stalkless with some lower stem leaves opposite. Stems are not or only slightly woody at base. Height 5-20 cm.

Locally abundant on acid heaths and grassland.

Similar: Common Milkwort, Polygala vulgaris. All are leaves alternate, grows on either acidic or calcareous ground.

Heath Milkwort, Polygala serpyllifolia, Na deirfiúiríní

Heath Milkwort, Polygala serpyllifolia, Na deirfiúiríní
Heath Milkwort, Polygala serpyllifolia, Na deirfiúiríní

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