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Procession Flower

Polygala incarnata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Procession Flower (Polygala incarnata)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

OH

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Pink milkwort is a delicate annual wildflower that produces small pink to purple blooms throughout the summer months. This compact native plant stays low to the ground and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.

In an HOA neighborhood

Procession Flower 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 size makes it appear weedy
  • Annual nature creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
  • Informal wildflower appearance conflicts with manicured landscapes

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various bee species and butterflies during its long blooming period from June through August.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Procession Flower fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

See it in the app

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