St. Andrews Cross
Hypericum hypericoides

Family: Hypericaceae

What it is like

Hypericum hypericoides is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Dry sandy soils.

Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas and Illinois.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

Lithontripic. The root was chewed as an antidote to rattlesnake bites. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of colic, fevers, pain, diarrhoea etc. It is applied externally to ulcerated breasts. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder ailments, skin problems and children's diarrhoea. A milky substance obtained from the plant has been rubbed on sores.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases

Lithontripic: Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in any reasonably good well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade but flowers better in a sunny position. Prefers a light loamy soil. One report says that the plant requires frame protection in the winter whilst another says that plants are hardy but short-lived at Kew. It possibly suffers more from wet soils than from the cold, see the plant's native habitat above. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10 - 12 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in the following spring. Cuttings of mature wood, 12 - 17cm with a heel, October/November in a sheltered position outdoors. Plants root by the spring. Good percentage. Division in spring as new growth commences. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Contact with the sap can cause photosensitivity in sensitive people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ascyrum hypericoides.