Hairy St John's Wort

dorycnium hirsutum

Also known as: ["Hairy St John's Wort"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Dorycnium Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with hairy stems and leaves, native to parts of Europe.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Dorycnium
Botanical Name: Dorycnium hirsutum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate regions
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun indoors.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust for seasonal changes.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers temperate conditions; ideal range 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; division of clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can root in water initially.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of stems; light shaping to maintain form.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape as needed; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth in unfavorable conditions.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C); use mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Dorycnium hirsutum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stressors like waterlogging or excessive sunlight.

Wilting in Dorycnium hirsutum is typically a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage that impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots on Dorycnium hirsutum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, often exacerbated by high humidity or poor air circulation, leading to defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Dorycnium hirsutum is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections and decay of the root system.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Dorycnium hirsutum is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful compounds that would cause adverse effects in felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats that may ingest Dorycnium hirsutum.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Dorycnium hirsutum is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful compounds that would cause adverse effects in canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs that may ingest Dorycnium hirsutum.
Humans
Non-toxic

Dorycnium hirsutum is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for human consumption of Dorycnium hirsutum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Dorycnium hirsutum toxic to pets?

A: Reliable information on toxicity to pets is not available.

Q: How should Dorycnium hirsutum be cared for?

A: It requires moderate care with attention to soil moisture and sunlight.

Q: Does Dorycnium hirsutum attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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