Flowers




ST. ANDREW'S CROSS

(Ascyrum hypericoides; A. Crux-Andreae of Gray) St. John's-wort family Flowers - Yellow, 1/2 to 3/4 in. across, terminal and from the leaf axils. Calyx of 4 sepals in 2 pairs; 4 narrow, oblong petals; stamens numerous; 2 styles. Stem: Much branched and spreading from



base, 5 to 10 in. high, leafy. Leaves: Opposite, oblong, small, seated on stem. Preferred Habitat - Dry, sandy soil; pine barrens. Flowering Season - July-August. Distribution - Nantucket Island (Mass.), westward to Illinois, south to Florida and Texas. Because the four pale yellow petals of this flower approach each other in pairs, suggesting a cross with equals arms, the plant was given its name by Linnaeus in 1753. ST. PETER'S-WORT (A. stans), a similar plant, found in the same localities, in bloom at the same time, has larger flowers in small clusters at the tips only of its upright branches.





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