Etymology: Polygala: from Greek polys, "many or much," and gala, "milk," since it was thought that the presence of some of the species in a pasture increased the yield of milk
Plants: erect, annual, 8"-24" tall forb; stems mostly solitary, smooth
Leaves: linear, alternate
Flowers: pink to pale rose, 5-parted, 1/3" long, almost twice as long as wide, 5 petal-like sepals with the 3 inner ones small and the 2 outer ones large and wing-like; inflorescence a 1/3"-1 1/2" dense cluster (raceme); blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: hairy
Habitat: dry; upland woods, barrens, prairies
Conservation Status: Endangered

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACU- WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.