Heath Milkwort
VU

Heath Milkwort

Polygala serpyllifolia

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Heath Milkwort faces severe decline across its European range due to the widespread loss and degradation of its specialized heathland habitats. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and the abandonment of traditional grazing practices have eliminated much of the acidic, nutrient-poor grassland it requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil chemistry in remaining heath communities.

Threat summary

Habitat

Heath Milkwort inhabits acidic heathlands, moorlands, and nutrient-poor grasslands, typically on sandy or peaty soils with low pH. It thrives in open, short-grass communities maintained by traditional grazing, particularly in coastal heath systems and upland moors across western and northern Europe.

Other threatened species in Polygalaceae

CR

Polygala rhynchosperma

Unknown
European MilkwortVU

European Milkwort

Polygala vulgaris

Unknown
EN

Polygala omissa

Unknown
tufted milkwortCR

tufted milkwort

Polygala comosa

Unknown

Threatened in Albania

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
VU

Anthribus fasciatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Heath Milkwort classified as Vulnerable?
Heath 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. Heath Milkwort faces severe decline across its European range due to the widespread loss and degradation of its specialized heathland habitats. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and the abandonment of traditional grazing practices have eliminated much of the acidic, nutrient-poor grassland it requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and soil chemistry in remaining heath communities.
Where does Heath Milkwort live?
Heath Milkwort occurs in Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and Czechia (plus 23 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Heath Milkwort?
The main threats to Heath 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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