Hypericum crux-andreae, commonly known as St. Peter’s-wort, is an evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States, where it thrives in the acidic, sandy soils of pine flatwoods, savannas, and seepage slopes. It is particularly adapted to wetland margins and open, sunny areas such as bogs and seeps. This species typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) wide. St. Peter’s-wort has a compact, rounded form with slender, upright branches. From late spring to summer, it produces numerous bright yellow flowers, each with five petals and a burst of prominent stamens, creating a showy display. The plant’s small, narrow leaves are dark green and have a leathery texture.

St. Peter’s-wort is valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly its vibrant flowers and evergreen foliage, which provide year-round interest in the garden. It is used in native plant gardens, rain gardens, and as a ground cover in wet areas. This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and requires acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. It is relatively low-maintenance but may need protection from drought. While it has medicinal properties, care should be taken as parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but it can be sensitive to root rot in poorly drained soils. St. Peter’s-wort is not known to be invasive and is a beneficial addition to gardens designed to attract pollinators.CC BY-SA 4.0