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Description
Hypericum drummondii, commonly known as Drummond’s St. John’s Wort, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the central and southern United States, as well as in northern Mexico. The plant is named after Thomas Drummond, a Scottish naturalist who collected the first specimen in Texas in the mid-19th century.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Hypericum |
Appearance
Hypericum drummondii can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has woody stems and produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom from May to August. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant’s fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Hypericum drummondii is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Drummond’s St. John’s Wort:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: You can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth.
- Soil: The plant can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clayey. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: Hypericum drummondii is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hypericum drummondii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These can be prevented by practicing good sanitation and avoiding overhead watering. Insects that can affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Hypericum drummondii is commonly found in open woods, prairies, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both drought and flooding. The plant is native to the central and southern United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as northern Mexico.
Question and Answer
Q1: Is Hypericum drummondii toxic?
A1: The plant is not considered toxic to humans or animals when consumed in small quantities. However, large doses can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Q2: Can Hypericum drummondii be grown in containers?
A2: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its roots and has good drainage.
Q3: How often should I prune my Hypericum drummondii?
A3: You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood. You can also prune it after flowering to shape it and encourage bushier growth.
Q4: Can Hypericum drummondii be propagated from cuttings?
A4: Yes, the plant can be propagated from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer.
Related Plants
- Hypericum calycinum
- Hypericum perforatum
- Hypericum kalmianum
- Hypericum androsaemum
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HYDR2
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hypericum-drummondii-drummonds-st-johns-wort
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285595
