Marsh St. John's Wort
hypericum elodes
Also known as: ["Marsh Hypericum","Water St. John's Wort"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to wetlands and marshy areas, known for its yellow flowers and medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Genus: | Hypericum |
| Botanical Name: | Hypericum elodes |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: bog garden, near water features, or in a container with consistent moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining peat-based mix with perlite or coarse sand.
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 if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun in winter and dappled shade in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense midday sun; place in east-facing windows indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and growth stage.
Soil
moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix that doesn’t compact; ensure bottom drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); cooler temperatures (55–60°F or 13–15°C) during dormancy in winter.
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; adjust care for seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growing season (spring and summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to encourage bushier form; shape as needed for aesthetic or health.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil health.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky components.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold), wilting or leaf drop (heat), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid overwatering, and provide gentle warmth if needed.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in dormant season.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity if they consume Hypericum elodes berries. The toxicity level is low, but cats are more sensitive to certain plant compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hypericum elodes berries may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress and potential photosensitivity. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised due to individual sensitivities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHypericum elodes contains hypericin and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort rather than severe systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hypericum elodes toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Where does Hypericum elodes grow naturally?
A: It is native to wetlands and marshy areas.
Q: Does Hypericum elodes have any medicinal uses?
A: Yes, it has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Hypericaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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