Orangegrass
Hypericum gentianoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Orangegrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz