California milkwort
Polygala californica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
California milkwort (Polygala californica) 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
part shade
Water
low
Size
4"–10" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
small bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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This milkwort is a low, evergreen perennial forb with small leaves and pea-like pink to purple flowers held close to the foliage. It grows in the dappled shade of woodland and chaparral understory.
Wildlife value
The flowers are pollinated by small bees, and the low, spreading habit provides fine-textured ground cover in shaded plantings.
Common questions
- How much sun does California milkwort need?
- California milkwort grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does California milkwort bloom?
- California milkwort blooms in March, April, May, and June.
- Where is California milkwort native?
- California milkwort (Polygala californica) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does California milkwort attract?
- California milkwort draws small bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California milkwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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