California milkwort
Polygala californica
Last reviewed: August 2026
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
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaThis 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.
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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