Polygala amara aka Milkwort

Polygala amara, or bitter milkwort, is a small perennial. It belongs to the Polygalaceae family. Its native range spans the eastern Alps to the western Carpathians. It grows in parts of Europe with a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew lists it as a perennial. This means it lives for more than two years. Plants For A Future gives a height of about 0.66 feet [0.2 metres].

In the wild, it grows in grassland and damp mountain pastures. It grows on chalk and limestone at these sites. A meadow is also a listed place to grow it. Its low height makes it a small part of such planting. It flowers from June to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The supplied species records give no flower colour details. They also give no details about fruit, leaves, or stems.

Give it soil that holds moisture but drains well. It prefers soil with a moderate level of nutrients. Sand, loam, and clay can all suit this plant. It does not need just one soil texture. It accepts slightly acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Even very alkaline soil can suit it. Full sun suits it if soil stays moist through the growing season. Where this is not possible, one account favours part shade. Another says it dislikes shade, so the advice on shade differs. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9.

Raise more plants from seed, by division, or from young shoot cuttings. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or autumn. Move each seedling to its own pot when large enough to handle. Keep them in a greenhouse through their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Wait until the expected frosts have passed. Take young shoot cuttings in late spring. Keep these in a frame.

Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. It lists no other uses beyond herbal medicine. These are traditional uses, not proof that treatment is safe. They include remedies for stomach, bladder, and kidney complaints. Reported uses also aim to boost sweating, urine flow, and milk production. The account notes mild soothing effects and help with coughing up mucus. For these uses, harvest the herb as flowering starts, then dry it. The evidence does not show whether this species is toxic. It names no pests or diseases. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.