Nits and Lice: A Tiny Native Wildflower with a Big Impact
Don’t let the unusual name fool you—nits and lice (Hypericum drummondii) has absolutely nothing to do with pesky parasites! This charming little native wildflower gets its quirky common name from its tiny seeds, but gardeners know it as a valuable addition to naturalized landscapes and prairie restorations across much of the United States.
What Is Nits and Lice?
Nits and lice is an annual forb belonging to the St. John’s wort family. As a native herbaceous plant, it lacks woody stems and completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season. This delicate wildflower may be small in stature, but it plays an important role in natural ecosystems and can be a wonderful addition to the right garden setting.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This native gem is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, thriving in 23 states from Pennsylvania down to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas. You’ll find it growing naturally in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Why Consider Growing Nits and Lice?
While it may not be the showiest flower in your garden, nits and lice offers several compelling reasons to include it in your landscape:
- Native plant support: As a true native, it supports local ecosystems and wildlife
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and attention
- Drought tolerance: Adapts well to dry conditions after establishment
- Pollinator friendly: Small yellow flowers attract beneficial insects and small pollinators
- Natural reseeding: Self-sows readily, creating natural drifts over time
Garden Design and Landscape Uses
Nits and lice works best in naturalized settings rather than formal garden beds. Consider incorporating it into:
- Prairie and meadow restorations
- Wildflower gardens
- Natural areas and edges
- Disturbed site rehabilitation projects
- Low-maintenance groundcover applications
Its fine texture and delicate branching structure make it an excellent supporting player that fills in gaps between larger wildflowers and grasses.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about nits and lice is its adaptability and low-maintenance nature. Here’s what it prefers:
Sunlight: Full sun for best performance, though it can tolerate some light shade
Soil: Well-draining soils are essential. It actually thrives in poor to average soils and doesn’t need rich, fertile conditions
Water: Drought tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to problems
Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 4-9, covering most of its native range
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting nits and lice established in your garden is straightforward:
- Direct sow seeds in fall or early spring when temperatures are cool
- Scatter seeds on prepared soil surface—they need light to germinate
- Keep soil slightly moist until germination occurs
- Thin seedlings if they emerge too thickly
- Once established, allow plants to self-seed for natural colonization
Special Considerations
The wetland status of nits and lice varies by region. In most areas, it’s classified as facultative upland, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can occasionally be found in wetland edges. In the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont, it’s considered obligate upland and almost never occurs in wetlands. This information can help you choose the most appropriate planting locations.
Is Nits and Lice Right for Your Garden?
This native wildflower is perfect for gardeners who:
- Want to support native ecosystems
- Prefer low-maintenance plants
- Are creating naturalized or prairie-style landscapes
- Need plants for challenging, dry sites
- Appreciate subtle beauty over flashy blooms
While nits and lice may not be the star of your garden show, it’s exactly the kind of hardworking native plant that forms the backbone of healthy, sustainable landscapes. Its unassuming nature and ecological benefits make it a worthy addition to any native plant enthusiast’s garden.
