How much sun does Maryland Milkwort need?

Maryland Milkwort grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Maryland Milkwort bloom?

Maryland Milkwort blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Maryland Milkwort native?

Maryland Milkwort (Polygala mariana) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Maryland Milkwort attract?

Maryland Milkwort draws bees and butterflies.

Is Maryland Milkwort HOA-friendly?

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

Maryland Milkwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polygala mariana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Maryland Milkwort (Polygala mariana) 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

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 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 437 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

Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Maryland milkwort is a small native perennial that forms low, compact clumps with delicate pink to purple flower clusters. This diminutive wildflower blooms throughout summer and works well as a groundcover or accent plant in naturalized areas. Its fine texture and modest size make it suitable for rock gardens and native plant borders.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Very small flowers may appear insignificant
Wild appearance doesn't match typical landscape expectations
Unknown winter appearance could look untidy

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it particularly valuable for smaller pollinators seeking nectar sources.

Common questions

How much sun does Maryland Milkwort need?: Maryland Milkwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Maryland Milkwort bloom?: Maryland Milkwort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Maryland Milkwort native?: Maryland Milkwort (Polygala mariana) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Maryland Milkwort attract?: Maryland Milkwort draws bees and butterflies.
Is Maryland Milkwort HOA-friendly?: Maryland 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 Maryland Milkwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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