Polygala

A lovely orchid-like wildflower only 3 to 6 inches tall growing from prostrate or underground stems in moist woods. Pink to purplish flowers with two prominent lateral petal-like sepals and three central tubular petals with a distinct terminal fringe; one to two flowers arise from leaf axils. Leaves (3/4 to 1½ inches in length) confined to the top with the lower ones as simple bracts.

(Photographed on the Tryon Road, Central Frontenac Township with Art and Jan
- May 26, 2009)