Family: Hypericaceae
Author: (L.) Crantz
Bibliography: Inst. Rei Herb. 2: 520 (1766)
Year: 1766
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hypericum
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to Honduras, Caribbean
Description
St. Andrew’s-cross, known scientifically as Hypericum hypericoides, is a distinguished member of the Hypericaceae family. This plant boasts a rich history and has been meticulously documented since its formal description in 1766, as cited in the comprehensive work ‘Inst. Rei Herb.’ attributed to the botanist Crantz.
Thriving primarily in the central and eastern regions of the United States, St. Andrew’s-cross extends its natural habitat well into Honduras and the Caribbean, showcasing its resilience and adaptability across a variety of climates. This widespread distribution underscores the plant’s ecological versatility and significance within its native ranges.
The plant is easily recognizable by its characteristic cross-shaped blossoms, which are not only visually striking but also serve as a tribute to its namesake, St. Andrew. These vibrant blooms contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the regions they inhabit, providing essential resources for local pollinators and other wildlife.
In addition to its ecological value, St. Andrew’s-cross holds a place in botanical studies and horticulture. Its unique morphology and adaptability make it an interesting subject for research and a desirable addition to native plant gardens aiming to support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Overall, Hypericum hypericoides embodies a blend of historical botanical interest and contemporary ecological importance. Its presence across a broad geographic range highlights its enduring nature and the critical role it plays within its habitats.
Common Names
Eng: st. andrew’s cross, st. andrew’s-cross
En: St. Andrew’s-cross, St. Andrew’s cross, St. Andrews cross
: St. andrew’s cross
Synonyms
- Ascyrum hypericoides var. typicum (Fernald)
- Ascyrum hypericoides (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Bermuda (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Azores (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Jasper Edwards (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Ken Kerns (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Seth Morris (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by kara padgett (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by kara padgett (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 3, 2015 by EOL − ksmith (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Bailey Bailey Glassco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2022 by roseanne spano swider (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Ken Kerns (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Seth Morris (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 17, 2020 by gene jones (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by Annie Elle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Zwaluw Staartje (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 16, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 1, 2016 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 26, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 25, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 3, 2015 by EOL − ksmith (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Matthew Jadlocki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Matthew Jadlocki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Heather Anne Walter (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189520)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30080839-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypericum hypericoides (L.) Crantz)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub, Shrub