How to identify Shrubby St. John's wort (Hypericum prolificum)

How to identify Shrubby St. John's wort (Hypericum prolificum)

Shrubby St. John's wort is a perennial flowering shrub distinguishable by a dense, bushy form that may remain evergreen in milder climates. It showcases dark green, oval-shaped leaves arranged oppositely along its stems. Throughout its blooming season, shrubby St. John's wort produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers, each with numerous long, showy stamens creating a frilly appearance. These blossoms typically grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The plant has a moderately compact growth, usually reaching around 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) in height and spread.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Shrubby St. John's wort

Bright yellow flowers with long, showy stamens, 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Oval dark green leaves arranged oppositely or whorled, 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.

Fruit is an ovoid capsule, roughly 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in length.

Stems feature 2-6 ridges on newer growth, becoming smooth and woody.

Upright trunk with exfoliating bark revealing grey-brown to silver layers, slender size.

Detailed Traits of Shrubby St. John's wort

Leaf Features

The leaves of shrubby St. John's wort are dark green and measure approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. They are either opposite or whorled in their arrangement, featuring a decussate pattern. Each leaf is simple and entire, with a smooth margin. The leaves are sessile or have a very short petiole, enhancing the plant's compact appearance. Despite their vibrant green color during growth, the leaves do not exhibit significant coloration changes in the fall.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of shrubby St. John's wort are bright yellow and bloom from June to October. Each flower is ? to 1 inch (6 to 25 mm) across, typically with five petals, though rarely, there may be four. They are solitary or in small clusters of 3-7 flowers, often appearing at the upper stems. The numerous stamens form showy bundles. The flowers are terminal or axillary, and their petals are significantly larger than the sepals.

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Stem Features

Shrubby St. John's wort features stems with distinct characteristics. Newer growth showcases 2 to 4, and occasionally up to 6, ridges that give it a slightly angular appearance. As the plant matures, the stems become smooth and rounded. The lower stems harden into woody structures with shredded gray-brown bark, while the upper stems retain a green hue with slight winging on opposite sides. These features make the stem identifiable through its texture and color variations.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of shrubby St. John's wort is an ovoid capsule, measuring about 1/2 inch (roughly 1.3 cm) in length. This fruit typically has 2 to 5 cells and may appear somewhat fleshy. It takes on a distinguished shape and presentation when it displays from July to November. The color and texture details are not provided, although it is common for such capsules to potentially change hue as they mature. This capsule is key for identification purposes due to its unique structure and seasonal appearance.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Shrubby St. John's wort and Their Similar Plants

Common St. John's wort vs. Shrubby St. John's wort: What's The Difference?

Common St. John's wort (*Hypericum perforatum*) is a plant species that is native to Europe and Central Asia. Common St. John's wort is considered poisonous to livestock and can cause problems for humans if consumed. This dense, fast-growing plant has been introduced to North America and Australia, where it is often viewed as an invasive species.

Creeping St. John's wort vs. Shrubby St. John's wort: What's The Difference?

The creeping St. John's wort (Hypericum calycinum) is a low, creeping, woody shrub commonly found on steep European slopes. The common name has roots in biblical texts, but has historically been applied to several different species; this particular species is likely not the same as the creeping St. John's wort mentioned in the bible.

St. Andrew's cross vs. Shrubby St. John's wort: What's The Difference?

St. Andrew's cross (Hypericum hypericoides) is a small evergreen perennial shrub. It gets its name from its yellow flowers, which have four petals in the shape of a cross. St. Andrew, who was the patron saint of Scotland, was said to have been martyred on a cross. The bark and stems have a reddish color.

Cedarglade St. John's wort vs. Shrubby St. John's wort: What's The Difference?

It is a medium-sized shrub, growing 61 to 305 cm in height with a highly-branching form. The stems are green when young, becoming reddish brown and peeling or plating with age. The opposite leaves are sessile, up to 7 cm long and 2 cm across with an oblong to lanceolate shape.

Mount olympus St. John's wort vs. Shrubby St. John's wort: What's The Difference?

It is a dwarf deciduous shrub growing to 25 cm tall by 30 cm broad, with small oval grey-green leaves, and clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers with prominent stamens in summer. As it requires sharp drainage to prevent winter rot, it is a suitable subject for the rockery or alpine garden. It increases by creeping lateral stems and self-seeds readily.

Bedstraw St. John's wort vs. Shrubby St. John's wort: What's The Difference?

It is a slender, branching shrublet up to 1.5 m tall with linear to oblanceolate leaves. The sessile leaves are 15 to 37 cm long and 1 to 7 mm across with mostly acute tips. The flowers are small, in terminal and axillary cymes, with very narrow sepals. Each flower is 9 to 14 mm in diameter with 5 bright yellow petals and 60–120 stamens.

Kalm's St. John's wort vs. Shrubby St. John's wort: What's The Difference?

Kalm's St. John's wort is a hardy shrub that thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, reflecting its resilience to a range of outdoor conditions. This plant features bright yellow flowers with a bushy array of stamens, creating an eye-catching display from mid to late summer. Its narrow, blue-green foliage provides a striking contrast against the flowers, making it a popular choice for ornamental use in gardens.

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Key Facts About Shrubby St. John's wort

Attributes of Shrubby St. John's wort

Spread

30 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 3 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Gold

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Shrubby St. John's wort

Moderate Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Shrubby St. John's wort

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

St. John's wort

Genus

St. John's worts

Species

Shrubby St. John's wort (Hypericum prolificum)

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Distribution Map of Shrubby St. John's wort

Shrubby St. John's wort is native to the temperate regions of Eastern North America, flourishing in open woods and stream banks. It is an introduced species in parts of Europe, notably in centralized areas. Shrubby St. John's wort has been cultivated beyond its natural range, enjoying popularity in various temperate gardens and landscapes for its ornamental qualities.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Shrubby St. John's wort

A Comprehensive Guide to Shrubby St. John's wort How to Grow and Care for Shrubby St. John's wort