Milkworts flowers are wildflowers and
they are one of the stars of the show from summer to early fall in Europe. Actually,
Milkwort wildflowers are perennial herbs that really have a long history as a
medicinal plant. Continue reading to learn more about growing this interesting
plant.
Information about Milkwort Plant
Milkwort plant is commonly found in grasslands,
heaths and dunes. Milkwort plant is a familiar sight in the landscape in Norway,
Britain, Finland and other European countries. The plants scientific
designation is Polygala vulgaris. The Greek polugalon means “to make much
milk.” This describes the plant’s historic use as an aid to increase lactation
in new mothers. Milkwort plant has many medicinal and religious uses, some of
which persist today. Milkwort wildflowers are actually small plants, only four
to ten inches in height. The plant produces many long downy stems that spring
from a basal rosette. The flowers are generally deep to light blue but may also
be purple, white and pink. The flowers also have tiny petals flanked by a pair
of flattened sepals that resemble petals. The overall bloom resembles a pea
flower with its fused keel and tubular upper petals but is not related to the family.
The slender lance-shaped leaves are alternate along the stem and disappear from
the lower plant during bloom time. Common milkwort is listed as endangered in
Finland due to habitat loss. In its native regions, Milkwort is found in pastures,
meadows, banks, and hummocks.
Milkwort Flowers Care
Actually, growing milkwort flowers
from seed is one of the best methods of propagation. Milkwort seeds can be hard
to come by, but they can still be found online. Start the milkwort seeds
indoors before all danger of frost has passed or you can sow them into a
prepared bed after any frost is expected. Make sure you keep the seedlings
moderately moist and use a diluted plant food once the seedlings have four sets
of true leaves. Milkwort plants actually perform well in either full or partial
shade in well-drained soil. These plants are best in a mass of undulating wiry
stems and sky blue flowers. The plants can be cut back in late fall to within six
inches of the ground. Make sure you mulch around them to protect the root zone
from winter’s chill.
Uses of Milkwort Plant
The leaves of milkwort have been
known to be used as a tea substitute. The leaves are also added to green tea
for flavoring. Milkwort plant contains triterpenoid
saponins, which have the capability to break up mucous and treat respiratory
ailments. Milkwort plant is also listed as having diuretic properties and the
ability to cause a recuperative sweat. Milkwort plant was also once gathered
for certain Christian processions. Milkwort plant is an attractive addition to
the perennial garden or in a cottage herb plot in the landscape.
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