Polygalaceae: Milkwort Family
California Milkwort – Rhinotropis californica
Blooms:
Apr–July
Plant Height:
5–35 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Woodland
Notes:
This is the only member of its family found in Monterey County. Its rose-colored flowers are somewhat pea-like, but its two petal-like sepals open almost flat, often drooping when the flower is fully open. There are 3 actual petals, the lower one shaped like a keel, with a small blunt tip (beak) which is yellowish. The lower petal is closely surrounded by the 2 upper ones. The leaves are lanceolate or elliptic, 7–60 mm long. Formerly known as Polygala californica.