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.

California milkwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polygala californica

Last reviewed: November 2026

California milkwort (Polygala californica) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw small bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for California milkwort, free in the app.

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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.

Growing California milkwort

Grow California milkwort in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 10 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

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.

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