Hypericum hypericoides aka St. Andrew's Cross

Hypericum hypericoides, or St. Andrew's cross, belongs to the St. John's wort family. This small shrub grows in the central and eastern United States. Its native range extends through Mexico to Honduras and the Caribbean. In North Carolina, it grows in the coastal plain. There, it lives in sandy grasslands, thickets, and open woods. It also occurs in bogs. The shrub keeps some leaves through winter, though leaf retention varies.

In gardens, it reaches 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres] tall. Its spread is 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres]. Many upright stems form a dense shrub. The smooth young stems have a reddish-brown tint. Older stems develop dark brown bark that peels in strips. Small green leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Each leaf joins the stem without a stalk. The leaves have smooth edges and small glands on their surface. Their shapes range from narrow to oblong, with tapered bases.

Small yellow flowers grow where upper leaves meet the stems. Each bloom spans about an inch or less. Four narrow yellow sepals form an uneven cross around long stamens. Summer brings a long run of flowers. Depending on climate, blooms may last from spring through fall. In warm places, flowering can continue through much of the year. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms. Brown, oval capsules follow, each holding several seeds. The fruits appear in summer and fall, and birds eat the seeds.

Grow this shrub in full sun or partial shade. A sunny site gives better flowering. It prefers sandy or loamy soil that drains well. Soil can range from moist to dry. The plant tolerates drought, heat, and deer, but not salt. North Carolina State lists it for USDA zones 5–9. Plants For A Future notes mixed reports of winter survival. That source suggests wet soil may cause more trouble than cold. It also reports that plants at Kew proved hardy but short-lived.

Use it in native gardens, borders, or natural planting areas. It also suits pollinator gardens and planting in groups. Pond and stream edges suit it where soil drains well. Grow new plants from seed or stem cuttings. Care needs are low, and no major pest or disease problems are reported. Its short lifespan remains a drawback. Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. It records folk uses of roots, leaves, and sap for illness. These records do not establish safe or effective treatment. Sap contact can make sensitive people's skin more prone to sun damage.