shrubby St. John's-wort

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

1-5 ft. tall
1-4 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Softwood cuttings are the primary propagation method.

Plant Planting Notes

Minimum of 4 foot spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No serious insect or disease problems.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

The simple, opposite or whorled leaves are elliptical, linear, or oblong with entire leaf margins. Approximately 3 inches long by 1 inch (or less) wide.

Flowers

Two to three flowers grow from apical nodes along the stem. Each flower is 3/4-1 inch wide and has 4-5 petals.

Fruit

Small, 1/2 inch brown/copper capsules.

Bark

Light brown and exfoliating.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Bogs, seepages, dry rocky forests, rock outcrops, riverside prairies.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Mountains and Piedmont, and rare in the Coastal Plain