GAYWINGS                                         PINK

Polygala paucifolia                     May-June

Milkwort Family

Flower:  .75” long

Plant:   3-7” high

    Small, dainty pink flowers grow in the axils of the upper leaves of this plant.  Each flower has 3 petals united in a hollow tube with a yellow, bushy fringe at the tip of the lowest petal.  Flaring “wings” are formed by 2 lateral sepals.  Broad evergreen leaves, .75-1.5” long, oval, alternate and untoothed are crowded at the top of the stem.  The lower leaves are reduced and bract-like.

 

    Also known as Fringed Polygala and Flowering Wintergreen, this low plant grows in rich moist woods.

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