European Milkwort
VU

European Milkwort

Polygala vulgaris

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygala_vulgaris

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

European Milkwort faces severe decline across its range due to agricultural intensification and the widespread conversion of traditional grasslands to intensive farming systems. The species is particularly vulnerable to nitrogen enrichment from fertilizers, which promotes competitive grasses that outcompete this small perennial herb. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.

Threat summary

Habitat

European Milkwort inhabits nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone pavements across Europe. The species thrives in short, grazed turf and requires well-drained, alkaline soils with low nitrogen levels to compete successfully with more vigorous plant species.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Polygalaceae

CR

Polygala rhynchosperma

Unknown
Heath MilkwortVU

Heath Milkwort

Polygala serpyllifolia

Unknown
EN

Polygala omissa

Unknown
tufted milkwortCR

tufted milkwort

Polygala comosa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is European Milkwort classified as Vulnerable?
European Milkwort is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. European Milkwort faces severe decline across its range due to agricultural intensification and the widespread conversion of traditional grasslands to intensive farming systems. The species is particularly vulnerable to nitrogen enrichment from fertilizers, which promotes competitive grasses that outcompete this small perennial herb. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.
Where does European Milkwort live?
European Milkwort occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to European Milkwort?
The main threats to European Milkwort are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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