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Orangegrass

Hypericum gentianoides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Orangegrass (Hypericum gentianoides)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Orangegrass (Hypericum gentianoides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Orangegrass as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsPiedmontNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Orangegrass is a delicate annual wildflower that forms small, upright clumps with tiny yellow flowers throughout summer and fall. Despite its common name, it's actually a member of the St. John's wort family and has very fine, narrow leaves that give it a grass-like appearance. This low-growing plant thrives in sunny, dry conditions and poor soils where other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Orangegrass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small and can appear weedy or insignificant
  • Annual nature means it disappears completely each winter
  • Extremely fine texture may look unkempt to conventional standards

Wildlife value

The small yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long blooming period from June through September. Its compact size makes it useful for providing nectar sources in tight spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Orangegrass need?
Orangegrass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Orangegrass bloom?
Orangegrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Orangegrass native?
Orangegrass (Hypericum gentianoides) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Orangegrass toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Orangegrass as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Orangegrass attract?
Orangegrass draws bees and beetles.
Is Orangegrass HOA-friendly?
Orangegrass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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