Definition

Noun: 1. A shrubby plant with distinctive flowers: A type of flowering plant, specifically a shrub, characterized by its bright yellow to apricot-colored flowers. Each flower has four petals arranged in the shape of a cross (an X-shape, like the diagonal cross on the flag of Scotland, known as the Saltire or St. Andrew's Cross). This plant is native to the southeastern region of the United States, ranging from New York to Texas. * Scientific name: Hypericum hypericoides (formerly Ascyrum hypericoides).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The St Andrews's cross is easily identified by its unique four-petaled flowers.
  • We saw several St Andrews's cross shrubs blooming along the trail in Texas.
  • The guide pointed out that the St Andrews's cross gets its common name from the arrangement of its petals.

Advanced Usage

• The name is often used in botanical and horticultural contexts to describe this specific species. It is valued in native plant gardens for its drought tolerance and distinctive summer blooms.

Variants and Related Words

• St. Andrew's Cross (alternative spelling): A common variant spelling using a period after "St".
• St Andrew's Cross (alternative spelling): Another common variant without the possessive 's'.
• Hypericum hypericoides: The current scientific (Latin) name for the plant.
• Ascyrum hypericoides: A former scientific name for the plant.

Synonyms

• St. Peter's-wort: A less common common name for the same species ().

Notes on Different Meanings

• St. Andrew's Cross (Flag/Symbol): It is crucial to distinguish the plant from the famous diagonal white cross on a blue background that is the national flag of Scotland. The plant is named this symbol due to the similar X-shape.
• St. Andrew's Cross (Spider): The name is also shared by a species of spider ( or ) found in Australia and Asia, which has a distinctive X-shaped band of white silk in its web.

Noun

1. shrubby plant having yellow to apricot flowers with four petals arranged in a cross; southeastern United States: New York to Texas