Polygala senega

Polygala senega is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family, Polygalaceae. It is native to North America, where it is distributed in Canada and the United States. Common names include Seneca snakeroot, Senega snakeroot, Senega root, and mountain flax.

Description

Polygala senega is a perennial herb with multiple stems up to 50 centimeters tall. The stems are usually unbranched, but some old plants can have branching stems. The leaves are linear to lance-shaped, alternately arranged, and have smooth edges. The inflorescence is a spike of several flowers. The flowers are white, sometimes with a pink tinge. The fruit is a capsule containing black seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Polygala senega is found in North America, from Quebec and Manitoba in Canada south to Georgia and Oklahoma in the United States. It grows in prairies, open woods, and along shorelines.

Uses

Polygala senega has been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes, such as the Seneca, from which the plant gets its name. The root is used to make a tea for treating respiratory conditions. It is also used in homeopathic medicine.

Cultivation

Polygala senega prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be propagated by seed or division.

Conservation

While Polygala senega is not currently considered threatened, its habitat is being lost to development and agriculture.

References

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