St. John's-wort
hypericum tetrapterum
Also known as: ["Marsh St. John's-wort","Four-wing St. John's-wort"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, known for its yellow flowers and medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Genus: | Hypericum |
| Botanical Name: | Hypericum tetrapterum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden border or naturalized area near water
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; place outdoor plants in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; use raised beds for better drainage; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights and mild frosts.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain consistent temperatures; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use a slow-release option for convenience; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 3–6 weeks; plants may take several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth; best done after flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased wood; shape the plant evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is evenly moist; ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration; prolonged cold can damage tender tissues.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may cause dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type and dilution; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to hypericin, and ingestion of Hypericum tetrapterum may cause mild gastrointestinal upset and potential photosensitivity. The effects are generally mild but should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hypericum tetrapterum can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of hypericin. Photosensitivity may also occur, though it is less common than in humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHypericum tetrapterum contains hypericin and other bioactive compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to temporary discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hypericum tetrapterum toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the common uses of Hypericum tetrapterum?
A: It is used medicinally and attracts wildlife such as bees and butterflies.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Hypericum tetrapterum?
A: It is relatively easy to care for with moderate maintenance requirements.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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