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Common Polygala

Polygala sanguinea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Common Polygala (Polygala sanguinea)
Photo: (c) Charles de Martigny, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Common Polygala (Polygala sanguinea) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsCross TimbersEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsGreat PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Common polygala is a small annual wildflower that produces clusters of tiny pink or purple flowers from summer through early fall. This compact native plant forms neat, upright clumps with narrow leaves and maintains a tidy appearance throughout its growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Polygala is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • As an annual, requires replanting each year or self-seeding

Wildlife value

The small but abundant flowers attract various bees and butterflies during the late summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it a good choice for supporting pollinators in smaller garden spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Polygala need?
Common Polygala grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Common Polygala bloom?
Common Polygala blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Common Polygala native?
Common Polygala (Polygala sanguinea) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Common Polygala attract?
Common Polygala draws bees and butterflies.
Is Common Polygala HOA-friendly?
Common Polygala is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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 Common Polygala? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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