How much sun does Broom Milkwort need?

Broom Milkwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Broom Milkwort bloom?

Broom Milkwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Broom Milkwort native?

Broom Milkwort (Polygala scoparioides) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Broom Milkwort attract?

Broom Milkwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Broom Milkwort HOA-friendly?

Broom Milkwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Broom Milkwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polygala scoparioides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Broom Milkwort (Polygala scoparioides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, NM, TX

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Broom milkwort is a compact annual wildflower that forms small, bushy clumps in desert gardens. It produces delicate flowers from May through August and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Broom Milkwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifespan creates gaps in landscaping
Small size and informal appearance looks weedy
Unpredictable germination timing

Wildlife value

This plant attracts bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from late spring through summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Broom Milkwort need?: Broom Milkwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Broom Milkwort bloom?: Broom Milkwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Broom Milkwort native?: Broom Milkwort (Polygala scoparioides) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Broom Milkwort attract?: Broom Milkwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Broom Milkwort HOA-friendly?: Broom Milkwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Broom Milkwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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