How much sun does Orange Milkwort need?

Orange Milkwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Orange Milkwort bloom?

Orange Milkwort blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Orange Milkwort native?

Orange Milkwort (Polygala lutea) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Orange Milkwort attract?

Orange Milkwort draws bees and butterflies.

Is Orange Milkwort HOA-friendly?

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

Orange Milkwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polygala lutea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Orange Milkwort (Polygala lutea) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 9 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

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Orange milkwort is a compact annual wildflower that produces bright orange-yellow flower clusters from spring through fall. This small native plant grows in a neat, upright form and works well as a colorful accent in sunny gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die
Small stature may look sparse in formal landscapes
Wild appearance typical of native wildflowers

Wildlife value

The vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. This native plant provides nectar for pollinators during much of the growing year.

Common questions

How much sun does Orange Milkwort need?: Orange Milkwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Orange Milkwort bloom?: Orange Milkwort blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Orange Milkwort native?: Orange Milkwort (Polygala lutea) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Orange Milkwort attract?: Orange Milkwort draws bees and butterflies.
Is Orange Milkwort HOA-friendly?: Orange 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 Orange Milkwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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