Eastern Milkpea
Common Name: Eastern Milkpea
Latin Name: Galactia volubilis
Family: Fabaceae
Habit: A delicate, herbaceous, vine that grows 3-4 feet in length. It sends its tender branches up nearby vegetation if not given a climbing support.
Leaves: Alternate, with three entire leaflets. The leaflets are oblong, elliptic, or ovate.
Flowers: Small lavender-rose colored flowers appear in the summer and fall.
Distribution: Sandhills and open hammocks.
Landscape: In the home landscape it grows in part-shade with average mositure. It can be planted at the base of a shrub and allowed to climb into it. It is a delicate vine and will not harm the supporting plant. However, it reseeds readily so it would not be desirable in a formal garden bed.
Wildlife use: Small butterflies and bees use the flowers as a nectar source. Songbirds and small mammals eat the flowers, beans, and dried seeds. Galactia species are larval foods for the Ceraunus blue butterfly.
It grows in zones 7 to 11.
It is native to the following states: AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, AND WV.
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