Polygala lutea, commonly known as yellow milkwort, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Polygalaceae. It is native to the southeastern regions of North America, including parts of Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama.
Yellow milkwort is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 20 to 40 centimeters. It has a woody stem, lanceolate leaves, and produces clusters of bright yellow flowers. The flowers are zygomorphic, meaning they have bilateral symmetry, with a distinctive irregular shape. Each flower consists of five sepals, two large rounded petals, and three small, petal-like lower sepals or "wings," which give the plant its characteristic appearance. The lower sepals are typically slightly inflated and have a greenish-yellow hue.
The plant primarily blooms during the spring and summer months, attracting various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with its vibrant flowers. Yellow milkwort is often found in open, sandy habitats, such as pine savannas, coastal dunes, and scrub ecosystems.
In addition to its ornamental value, Polygala lutea has also been used in herbal medicine for its potential medicinal properties. Some traditional uses suggest it may have diuretic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, further scientific research is needed to confirm these claims.
