Hypericum frondosum, or Golden St. Johnswort (the species) is a small, semi-woody shrub which grows in states all across the Southeast, but is not common. In NC, it is reported to occur in only two counties (in the mountains). Nevertheless, it thrives in our hot and humid piedmont, and should be considered for a shrub border or specimen because it is beautiful. Golden St. Johnswort is 3-4 feet high x 3-4 feet wide, sun-loving, straight-stemmed, with bluish-green, deciduous foliage, reddish, flaky bark on mature stems, and attractive, bright golden-yellow flowers in mid-season which attract many pollinators. The opposite leaves of Golden St. Johnswort are evergreen to semi-evergreen in the southern part of its growing range. In fall the plant is pretty too, with purplish leaves and covered with masses of little reddish fruits. The preferred soils are circumneutral pH, moist, well drained to dry, and it shows drought tolerance when established. The cultivar “Sunburst” is known for its larger-than-average bright yellow flowers (up to 2 inches) with especially long stamens, and more compact growth habit (3 feet). Since cultivars do not have a natural plant distribution, the USDA distribution map linked below is for the species.
