Family: Clusiaceae, St.-John's-wort view all from this family

Description Shrubby St.-John's-wort is a very small, mound-shaped, deciduous shrub, to 3 ft. tall, with dense, upright branches and exfoliating, red to purple bark. Smooth, dark- to blue-green, fine-textured foliage becomes yellow-green in fall. Large, yellow flowers occur singly or in few-flowered clusters. A dry, dehiscent, three-valved capsule persists all winter.

Habitat Sandy, open woods; meadows; seepage slopes.

Range New York to s. Michigan and Iowa, south to Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Discussion This shrub adapts to a variety of moisture regimes and is even flood tolerant. It has no serious disease or insect problems. This species is pH adaptable but does extremely well in calcareous sites.

Comments This shrub adapts to a variety of moisture regimes and is even flood tolerant. It has no serious disease or insect problems. Since blooms are on the current season's growth, if you need a shorter plant, prune in late winter or early spring. This species is pH adaptable but does extremely well in calcareous sites; lime the soil every two or three years for best results.

Exposure Preference Sun to partial shade.

Flower June - August

Native Distribution New York to s. Michigan & Iowa, s. to Georgia, Louisiana & Oklahoma

Site Preference Sandy, open woods; meadows; seepage slopes

Soil Preference Dry, rocky soils. pH 6.1-8.5

Wildlife Value Intermediate.