Fringed Polygala (Polygala paucifolia)

Other common names: Bird-on-the-Wing, Flowering Wintergreen, Fringed Milkwort, Gay Wings, Gaywings Other scientific names: Polygala uniflora French names: Polygala paucifolié Family: Milkwort Family (Polygalaceae) Distinctive features: Low plant, resembles Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). Small orchid-like blue-purple flowers. Forests. Similar species:   •   Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) - Leaves are very similar but smell like wintergreen. Flowers: Spring, Summer;  Blue/Violet, White;  Irregular Flowers;  Spring - early summer. Orchid-like. Blue-purple, rarely white. Leaves: Alternate, crowded near the top of the short stem. Height: 7-12 cm (3-5 in) Habitat: Dry to moist forests. Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 40    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 214, 244    ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 336    Native/Non-native: Native Status: Common. White-flowered forms are rare. Notes: Be careful not to mistake this for Wintergreen, as its leaves are edible and those of Fringed Polygala are most likely not. Origin and Meaning of Names:  Scientific Name: paucifolia: few-leaved Photographs: 244 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.