Peelbark St. John'S Wort

hypericum fasciculatum

The Peelbark St. John's Wort (Hypericum fasciculatum) is an eye-catching, woody shrub native to the wetlands and seasonal ponds of the southeastern United States. Thriving in acidic, boggy soils, this resilient plant is easily recognized by its distinctive, papery bark that peels away in thin, reddish-brown sheets from older stems. During its peak blooming season, it produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers with dense clusters of bushy stamens, creating a stunning contrast against its dark green, needle-like foliage. This species plays an important role in its wetland ecosystems, acting as a stabilizer for shorelines and a critical pollen source for native bees and other pollinators.

Habitat: Found in seasonal wetlands, cypress dome margins, wet pine flatwoods, and boggy depressions in the southeastern United States.

Appearance

This woody, multi-branched shrub typically grows 60 to 200 centimeters tall. Its most prominent features are its peeling, coppery-orange to reddish-brown bark and its narrow, pine-like leaves that grow in dense, tight clusters along the stems. The flowers, about 1.5 to 2.5 cm wide, feature five bright yellow petals surrounding a prominent, explode-of-fireworks cluster of numerous yellow stamens.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyHypericaceaeGenusHypericum

Peelbark St. John'S Wort

Interesting facts

Despite being a wetland plant, its needle-like leaves resemble those of desert plants, an adaptation to survive periods when the sandy soils dry out completely.

The bright yellow flowers lack nectar, so they attract pollinators solely by offering massive quantities of pollen from their numerous stamens.

The common name 'Peelbark' comes from its highly distinctive bark, which continuously flakes off in papery, thin sheets to reveal fresh layers beneath.

Special abilities

Sheds its outer bark layers continuously to deter climbing vines, epiphytes, and potential pests while offering mild fire resistance.

Possesses specialized root adaptations that allow it to survive in oxygen-depleted, waterlogged soils for months at a time.

Features tightly clustered, needle-like leaves that reduce surface area and limit water loss during dry seasonal spells.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-200 cm
Lifespan: 5-20 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients absorbed from wet, acidic soils.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil nutrients

Ecological connections

mutualism

American Bumblebee

Bombus pennsylvanicus

Collects pollen from the abundant stamens of the flowers, aiding in pollination.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

May occasionally browse on the leaves and tender woody shoots during winter.

mutualism

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

Often grows in the understory or shallow margins of cypress dome habitats dominated by this tree.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Peelbark St. John'S Wort?

The easiest way to identify Peelbark St. John'S Wort is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Peelbark St. John'S Wort?

60-200 cm

How long does Peelbark St. John'S Wort live?

5-20 years

What does Peelbark St. John'S Wort eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrients absorbed from wet, acidic soils.

Where is Peelbark St. John'S Wort usually found?

Found in seasonal wetlands, cypress dome margins, wet pine flatwoods, and boggy depressions in the southeastern United States.