St. Peterswort

St. Peterswort: A Modest Native Shrub for Natural Gardens

If you’re looking for a low-key native plant that won’t steal the show but will quietly do its part in your natural landscape, let me introduce you to St. Peterswort (Hypericum cruxandreae). This unassuming perennial shrub might not be the star of your garden, but it has its own understated charm and ecological value.

What is St. Peterswort?

St. Peterswort is a native shrub that typically grows to about 2 feet tall with a moderate growth rate. It’s part of the St. John’s wort family and produces small yellow flowers during mid-summer. The plant has an erect growth form with green foliage and a medium texture that provides a nice backdrop for showier plants.

This native beauty is a true American, found naturally across 19 states from the Mid-Atlantic down to the Gulf Coast. You’ll find it growing wild in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Why Consider St. Peterswort for Your Garden?

Let’s be honest – St. Peterswort isn’t going to win any beauty contests or become the talk of your neighborhood garden club. But here’s why you might want to give this modest native a chance:

• Native credentials: As a true native, it supports local ecosystems without any invasive concerns
• Low maintenance: Once established, it’s relatively easy to care for
• Versatile placement: Works well in both wetland and upland settings depending on your region
• Consistent size: At 2 feet tall, it won’t outgrow its space or require frequent pruning
• Moderate lifespan: Provides steady presence in the landscape

Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits

Here’s where we need to set realistic expectations. St. Peterswort provides only modest wildlife benefits. Large animals and terrestrial birds use it sparingly – making up just 2% to 5% of their diet and occasionally using it for cover. The yellow flowers do attract some small pollinators during bloom time, but this isn’t a plant you’d choose primarily for supporting wildlife.

Growing Conditions and Care

St. Peterswort is surprisingly adaptable when it comes to moisture conditions. Depending on where you live, it can handle different wetland situations:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: Usually found in wetlands but can tolerate drier sites
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: Typically grows in upland areas but can handle some moisture
• Great Plains: Equally comfortable in wet or dry conditions
• Northcentral & Northeast: Prefers upland sites but is somewhat flexible

For soil preferences, St. Peterswort likes:

• Acidic conditions (pH 4.6 to 7.0)
• Coarse to medium-textured soils (avoid heavy clay)
• Areas with at least 12 inches of root depth
• Locations receiving 32 to 48 inches of annual precipitation

Planting and Establishment Tips

St. Peterswort grows in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 and can tolerate temperatures down to -8°F. Here are some tips for success:

• Light requirements: Prefers intermediate shade – not full sun, not deep shade
• Planting method: Available as bare root plants, containers, or sprigs
• Spacing: Plant 1,700 to 2,700 plants per acre if doing large-scale plantings
• Patience required: Seeds have low vigor and slow spread rate, so container plants are your best bet
• Minimal fertilizer: This plant has low fertility requirements

Best Garden Settings

St. Peterswort works well in:

• Native plant gardens where you want authentic regional flora
• Rain gardens or bioswales in appropriate regions
• Woodland edge plantings
• Low-maintenance naturalized landscapes
• Areas where you need a reliable, modest-sized native shrub

The Bottom Line

St. Peterswort isn’t for gardeners seeking dramatic focal points or major wildlife magnets. However, if you’re creating a native landscape that values authenticity over showiness, or if you need a reliable, low-maintenance native shrub for a specific ecological niche, St. Peterswort could be your quiet champion.

Just remember: this is a plant that earns its place through steady, understated performance rather than flashy displays. Sometimes that’s exactly what a garden needs.