Tall Pinebarren Milkwort
Polygala cymosa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Tall Pinebarren Milkwort (Polygala cymosa) 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
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Tall pinebarren milkwort produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers from late spring through early fall. This upright perennial grows in clumps and thrives in sunny locations with moderate moisture. The plant maintains a relatively compact form throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tall Pinebarren 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.
- Appears too wild and unstructured for formal landscapes
- May be mistaken for a weed by HOA boards
- Unknown winter appearance could be problematic
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for bees and butterflies from May through September. This native plant is particularly valuable for supporting local pollinator populations during the hot summer months.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tall Pinebarren Milkwort need?
- Tall Pinebarren Milkwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tall Pinebarren Milkwort bloom?
- Tall Pinebarren Milkwort blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Tall Pinebarren Milkwort native?
- Tall Pinebarren Milkwort (Polygala cymosa) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Tall Pinebarren Milkwort attract?
- Tall Pinebarren Milkwort draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Tall Pinebarren Milkwort HOA-friendly?
- Tall Pinebarren 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 Tall Pinebarren Milkwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz