WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Common and widespread throughout the UK in its preferred habitat. Habitat includes: Infertile, neutral to basic soil in places with short turf overlaying chalk and limestone, grassland (including acidic), commons, banks, hill-slopes, crags, heathland, fenland, meadows, sand dunes etc. Flowers: May to September. Perennial. Height: 7 - 35 cm Identification: Leaves alternate all down the stem whereas the similar Heath Milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia) has opposite lower leaves, not alternate. Other names include: Milkwort. Flowers normally are Blue but can be White or Pink. History / Beliefs: The name 'milkwort' comes from the ancient Greek botanist Dioscorides. He named it polugalon ('much milk') believing it to 'make women produce more milk'. Herbalists used to prescribe it to nursing mothers (not grazing cows!). Milkwort used to be gathered to be used in Christian processions known ('Rogations') up until reformers decided to get rid. 2 subspecies occur in the UK: Polygala vulgaris ssp. collina, Polygala vulgaris ssp. vulgaris.

Agg.
- Polygala serpyllifolia/vulgaris
species - Dwarf Milkwort (Polygala amarella) distribution: North West x - Chalk Milkwort (Polygala calcarea) distribution: South - - Shrubby Milkwort (Polygala chamaebuxus) Non-native: 1 record (Cardiff). x - Heath Milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia) distribution: Throughout (scattered in the East). / - Common Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) distribution: Throughout (scattered in the East). / species hybrid - Common x Dwarf (Polygala vulgaris x amarella) distribution 0 records x - Common x Chalk (Polygala vulgaris x calcarea) distribution: Salisbury x