Hypericum gentianoides
pineweed
Overview
A slender annual growing 4–20 inches (10–50 cm) tall, with a wiry, much-branched, broom-like form. The stems are green to reddish and appear nearly leafless, with tiny scale-like leaves under 0.1 inch (3 mm) long pressed against the stem, giving the plant a thread-like, pine-needle texture. Small yellow flowers, about 0.15 inch (4 mm) across with five petals, open along the upper branches, mostly in the afternoon. Bloom occurs from July to October. Each flower is short-lived, and reddish conical seed capsules follow and persist after the flowers drop. The plant grows from a shallow taproot, completes its cycle in one season, and dies after setting seed. It grows in thin, dry, sterile soils where few other plants take hold. Whole plants fade to a reddish-brown skeleton in fall.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America from Maine and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Iowa. Grows in dry, sandy or rocky open ground, granite outcrops, sterile fields, and roadsides in full sun.Suggested Uses
Grown in sandy native plantings, rock gardens, and restorations of barrens and outcrops at 6–12 inch (15–30 cm) spacing. Used as a pioneer annual on thin, dry, sterile soils. Suited to open, infertile ground rather than cultivated beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green to reddishGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in dry, sterile, sandy or rocky soils with sharp drainage. Water is rarely needed once seedlings establish, and the plant tolerates drought and poor, thin ground. It grows on sites too dry and infertile for most plants and does not compete in rich or shaded soil. It reseeds where ground stays open and bare. Few pests or diseases affect it. Foliage is not browsed, while the seeds are taken by birds.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this small annual. Dried plants can be pulled or cleared after seed set. Removing plants before the capsules ripen limits self-seeding. No other care applies.⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Spring
Plant Spacing
8 inches