Semi-desert.  Rocky, sandy slopes.  Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 27, 2007 and April 18, 2010.

Polygala subspinosa is rare in a few western counties of Colorado and occurs in only one northwestern county of New Mexico; it is more common and widespread in Utah, and it is found across the northern tier of Arizona counties.  (See the map below.)

Polygala subspinosa typically grows about five inches tall and wide in an open, rounded form but can be up to ten inches tall and wide.  Woody stems persist and become spiny.  Bright green leaves grow quickly in early spring.  Polygala subspinosa grows at elevations from about 4,000 to 7,000 feet in dry, open areas. 

In 1753 Linnaeus named the genus Polygala, Greek for "much milk", but the name was applied to some now unknown plant reputed to increase milk production in cattle.  Polygala subspinosa was named by Sereno Watson in 1873 from a specimen collected by an unknown botanist in 1862.  "Subspinosa" means "almost spiny".

Semi-desert.  Rocky, sandy slopes.  Spring.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, April 27, 2007.

Flowers have characteristics that remind one of plants in Fabaceae (Pea Family) and Fumariaceae (Fumitory Family).  Whatever they remind us of, they are certainly beautifully exotic.  Weber says, "An amazing flower indeed" and Welsh says, "The brightly colored flowers, sometimes produced profusely in this clump-forming plant, are truly attractive.  It should be considered for horticultural use".

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Polygala subspinosa