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Description
Hypericum Canadense, commonly known as Canadian St. John’s wort, is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is native to North America, where it grows in wet areas such as bogs, swamps, and wet meadows. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a woody base. The leaves are opposite, simple, oblong, and about 2-4 cm long. The flowers are bright yellow and have five petals, with numerous stamens and pistils. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Hypericum |
Appearance
The Hypericum Canadense plant has a distinct appearance that makes it easy to recognize. It has a woody base, and the stems are erect, branched, and slightly hairy. The leaves are opposite, simple, and oblong, with a glossy dark green color on the upper surface and a pale green color on the lower surface. The flowers are bright yellow, about 3 cm in diameter, and have five petals with numerous stamens and pistils. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Hypericum Canadense is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water it deeply but do not let the soil become waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not flower as well.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hypericum Canadense is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew if the plant is grown in humid conditions or if the soil is kept too wet. Pests such as aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, but they are not common.
Habitat
Hypericum Canadense is native to North America, where it is found in wet areas such as bogs, swamps, and wet meadows. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate flooding for short periods. The plant can grow in full sun to partial shade and can withstand some drought once established.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hypericum Canadense toxic?
A: Hypericum Canadense is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can Hypericum Canadense be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Hypericum Canadense can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space and is watered regularly.
Q: Does Hypericum Canadense attract butterflies?
A: Yes, Hypericum Canadense is known to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Q: Does Hypericum Canadense have medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Hypericum Canadense has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as depression, anxiety, and nerve pain.
Related Plants
- Hypericum Ascyron
- Hypericum Kalmianum
- Hypericum Perforatum
- Hypericum Prolificum
References
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Hypericum canadense (Canadian St. Johnswort). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HYCA3
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Hypericum canadense. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/trees-plants/plant/hypericum-canadense/
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Hypericum canadense. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277989&isprofile=0&
