About Hypericum gentianoides (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.
Hypericum gentianoides (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb. is a species of flowering plant in the St. John's wort family, Hypericaceae. Its common names are orangegrass and pineweed. It is native to eastern North America, where its range extends from Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Maine south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Missouri and Minnesota. It has been found growing in habitats including fields, flatwoods, and rock outcrops. This species is an annual herb that usually grows 10–40 cm (4–16 in) tall. Its leaves are pressed close to the stem, measure 1–3 mm long, and have a scale-like shape; this form is an adaptation that reduces transpiration in exposed environments. The flowers of Hypericum gentianoides are no larger than 3 mm across, and have five to ten stamens and three styles. It commonly grows in nutrient-poor soil, sand, and on exposed sites, but it also occurs in wetter habitats such as coastal plain marshes. The common name orangegrass comes from the citrus scent released when the plant is crushed. Chemical extracts from H. gentianoides have been found to inhibit HIV contraction.
