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Description
Hypericum Kalmianum, commonly known as Kalm’s St. John’s Wort, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. This plant is native to North America, specifically the central and eastern parts of the United States and Canada. It usually grows up to 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Hypericum |
Appearance
Kalm’s St. John’s Wort has a rounded and dense growth habit. It has opposite, simple, and elliptic leaves that are green and shiny. The leaves can grow up to 2.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom in early summer and last for several weeks. The flowers have five petals and numerous stamens. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Kalm’s St. John’s Wort is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice among gardeners. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, but it can also tolerate some drought.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: Kalm’s St. John’s Wort prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Kalm’s St. John’s Wort is hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Kalm’s St. John’s Wort is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some problems, such as:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing damage.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
Kalm’s St. John’s Wort grows in a variety of habitats, including open woods, meadows, and along streams and riverbanks. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can also tolerate dry conditions. The plant is commonly found in the central and eastern parts of the United States and Canada.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Kalm’s St. John’s Wort toxic?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Q: Can Kalm’s St. John’s Wort be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has enough space to grow and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should Kalm’s St. John’s Wort be pruned?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood. You can also prune it to maintain its shape.
Q: Does Kalm’s St. John’s Wort attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its bright yellow flowers.
Related Plants
- Hypericum Androsaemum
- Hypericum Ascyron
- Hypericum Berberidifolium
- Hypericum Calycinum
- Hypericum Canadense
References
- “Hypericum kalmianum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 May 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j590>.
- “Hypericum kalmianum.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 20 May 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hypericum-kalmianum/>.
- “Hypericum kalmianum (Kalm’s St. John’s Wort).” Gardenia. Accessed 20 May 2021. <https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/hypericum-kalmianum-kalm-s-st-john-s-wort>.
