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| St. Andrew's Cross, Arrayanalla
Hypericum hypericoides (Ascyrum hypericoides)
Hypericaceae
St. Andrew's cross is a small shrub, 1 to 3 feet high, that usually grows in sandy soil in wooded areas from the Edwards Plateau east to Georgia and north to Massachusetts. It has smooth, bright green leaves and light yellow flowers with 4 petals that form a distinctive cross. The leaves have been used as an astringent, and the seeds reportedly have purgative properties. St. Andrews's cross looks much like St. Peter's-wort, H. crux-andreae, and their habitats sometimes overlap. H. crux-andreae has broader leaves, up to 3/4 inch wide and 3-4 styles, whereas H. hypericoides has only 2 styles and narrower leaves only up to 1/3 inch wide.
Plant Habit or Use: small shrub
Exposure: partial sun shade
Flower Color: yellow
Blooming Period: summer
Fruit Characteristics: capsule
Height: 6 inches to 3 feet
Width: 6 inches to 3 feet
Plant Character: evergreen
Heat Tolerance: medium
Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: adaptable
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5
Additional Comments:
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