Heath Milkwort

Common Name: Heath Milkwort

Latin Name: Polygala serpyllifolia

Family: Polygalaceae

Heath milkwort is also known as thyme-leaved milkwort. This is presumably a reference to leaf shape and arrangement which is similar to wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus). It is suggested that the name milkwort comes from the shape of the flowers which are like mini udders.

There are three different milkworts in the Yorkshire Dales National Park: heath milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia), common milkwort (P. vulgaris) and bitter milkwort (P. amara). The species are easily identifiable by leaf shape and arrangement and grow in different habitats. Heath milkwort is a small and pretty scrambling plant with delicate flowers which can be blue, pink or white. In the National Park it is a widespread species found at all altitudes but is particularly common in acid grassland and moorland above 250m.