St. Paul’s Wort: The Uninvited Garden Guest You Should Know About
If you’ve spotted small yellow flowers popping up uninvited in your garden, you might be looking at St. Paul’s wort (Sigesbeckia). This annual forb has a knack for showing up where you least expect it, and while it’s not necessarily the villain of the plant world, it’s definitely not the hero either.
What Exactly is St. Paul’s Wort?
St. Paul’s wort is a non-native annual plant that belongs to the forb family – basically, it’s an herbaceous plant without woody stems. Think of it as nature’s opportunist, always ready to colonize disturbed soil and forgotten corners of your landscape. Originally from Asia, this plant has made itself at home in parts of the United States, though it’s not exactly what you’d call a welcome guest.
Where You’ll Find This Plant
Currently, St. Paul’s wort has been documented in Hawaii, Illinois, and Massachusetts. It’s one of those plants that reproduces on its own once established, spreading without any help from gardeners (whether they want it to or not).
Should You Plant St. Paul’s Wort?
Here’s the straight answer: probably not. While St. Paul’s wort isn’t confirmed as invasive, it’s not native to North America and doesn’t offer significant benefits to local ecosystems. As a responsible gardener, you’re better off choosing native alternatives that will support local wildlife and pollinators.
What It Looks Like
St. Paul’s wort produces small yellow composite flowers that might remind you of tiny sunflowers. The plant has a somewhat weedy appearance and typically grows as an annual, completing its entire life cycle in one growing season. Don’t expect it to win any beauty contests – this is definitely more of a function over form kind of plant.
Growing Conditions (If You Must)
Should you find yourself dealing with St. Paul’s wort in your garden, know that it’s quite adaptable:
- Thrives in disturbed soils
- Tolerates various soil types
- Prefers areas with some sunlight
- Generally hardy in USDA zones 4-10
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of St. Paul’s wort, consider these native options that will provide real benefits to your local ecosystem:
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) for similar yellow flowers
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for pollinator support
- Native asters for late-season color
- Local wildflower mixes suited to your region
The Bottom Line
While St. Paul’s wort isn’t necessarily harmful, it’s not adding much value to your garden or local ecosystem either. If you spot it growing wild, you can simply leave it be or remove it if you prefer. But when it comes to intentional planting, there are so many wonderful native options that will serve your garden – and local wildlife – much better.
Remember, every plant choice is an opportunity to support local biodiversity. Why not make it count?
