Galactia Regularis (Eastern Milkpea)

Galactia Regularis, commonly known as Eastern Milkpea, is a beautiful wildflower native to the eastern half of the United States. It is part of the Fabaceae family and can be found in states like Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Eastern Milkpea is a small shrub that grows to be about three feet tall and wide. Its leaves are alternate and oblong-lanceolate in shape with smooth edges. The flowers of Eastern Milkpea come in clusters at the ends of stems and are usually white, though they can sometimes be pink or cream. These flowers give way to small, dark brown pods containing several seeds.

Eastern Milkpea is often used as an ornamental plant and grows best in full sun with well-drained soils. The plant can tolerate drought conditions and is moderately salt-tolerant, making it a great choice for coastal gardens. It can also be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings.

Eastern Milkpea is an important food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies and provides a habitat for birds and small mammals. The plant is relatively pest-free, but can sometimes be affected by aphids and caterpillars. Keeping the plant well-watered will help with any pest problems.

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