Boykin’s Milkwort: A Lesser-Known Native Gem for Southern Gardens
If you’re on a quest to discover truly native plants for your Southern garden, you might stumble upon Boykin’s milkwort (Polygala boykinii var. boykinii). This little-known annual belongs to the fascinating milkwort family and represents one of those diamond in the rough native species that most gardeners have never heard of.
What Makes Boykin’s Milkwort Special?
Boykin’s milkwort is a native annual forb that calls the southeastern United States home. As a member of the Polygala family, it’s related to other milkworts but stands out as its own distinct variety. The plant is classified as a forb, which simply means it’s a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant without woody tissue—think of it as nature’s version of a gentle wildflower.
Where You’ll Find This Native Beauty
This native charmer has a fairly specific range, naturally occurring across six southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Its distribution suggests it’s well-adapted to the warm, humid conditions typical of the southeastern coastal plains and surrounding regions.
Should You Grow Boykin’s Milkwort?
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit challenging. While Boykin’s milkwort has the appealing qualities of being truly native and regionally appropriate, it falls into that category of plants that haven’t made it into mainstream horticulture. This means you’re unlikely to find it at your local garden center, and detailed growing information is scarce.
The Reality of Growing Lesser-Known Natives
As an annual, Boykin’s milkwort completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. This characteristic can be both a blessing and a challenge:
- You’ll need to replant each year or rely on self-seeding
- It may naturalize in suitable conditions
- Annual plants often provide season-long interest
- They’re typically less of a long-term commitment than perennials
Growing Challenges and Considerations
The biggest hurdle with Boykin’s milkwort is the limited availability of both seeds and growing information. Unlike popular natives that have been extensively studied and cultivated, this variety remains somewhat mysterious in terms of:
- Specific soil preferences
- Optimal planting conditions
- Mature size and appearance
- Pollinator relationships
- Propagation methods
Alternative Native Options
If you’re drawn to the idea of supporting native milkworts but want something more readily available, consider looking into other Polygala species that might be better documented and easier to source. Your local native plant society or extension office can help identify which milkworts are both native to your specific area and available through reputable native plant sources.
The Bottom Line
Boykin’s milkwort represents the fascinating diversity of our native flora, but it’s not necessarily the best choice for most home gardeners. Unless you’re a dedicated native plant enthusiast with access to responsibly sourced seeds and a willingness to experiment, you might want to start with better-documented native species.
However, if you’re up for an adventure and happen to come across seeds from a reputable source, this little-known native could be a unique addition to a naturalized area or native plant collection. Just remember that with lesser-known species like this, you’ll be somewhat on your own when it comes to growing guidance—but sometimes that’s part of the fun of native gardening!
