Contents
Description
Hypericum Styphelioides Subsp. Styphelioides, commonly known as Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort, is a perennial plant native to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee in the United States. It belongs to the Hypericaceae family and is a subspecies of Hypericum styphelioides.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliophyta |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Hypericaceae |
| Genus | Hypericum |
| Species | Hypericum Styphelioides |
| Subspecies | Hypericum Styphelioides Subsp. Styphelioides |
Appearance
Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort grows up to 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Its leaves are evergreen, narrow, and bluish-green, and its stems are woody and reddish-brown. The plant produces yellow, five-petaled flowers that bloom in summer and autumn. The flowers are followed by small, brown capsules containing numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a variety of soil types. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. After that, water only during prolonged periods of drought.Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer to prevent new growth that may not harden off before winter.The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil.
Habitat
Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort is native to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. It grows in a variety of habitats, including dry, rocky slopes and moist, wooded areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort toxic to animals?
A: Yes, it can be toxic to livestock and pets if ingested in large amounts.
Q: Can Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort be used medicinally?
A: Yes, some species of Hypericum are used in herbal medicine, but it is not recommended to self-medicate without consulting a healthcare professional.
Q: How often should I water Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort?
A: Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. After that, water only during prolonged periods of drought.
Q: How tall does Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort grow?
A: Blue Ridge St. John’s Wort grows up to 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Hypericum Ascyron
- Hypericum Frondosum
- Hypericum Kalmianum
- Hypericum Perforatum
- Hypericum Prolificum
References
- “Hypericum Styphelioides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287285&isprofile=0&basic=Hypericum%20styphelioides.
- “Hypericum Styphelioides Subsp. Styphelioides.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HYST10.
- “Hypericum.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Sept. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypericum.
