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.