Species Yellow Screwstem
lime-yellow buds with lime-green stems and dark-green leaves

Yellow Screwstem

Bartonia virginica

Also Known As - Yellow Bartonia
Yellow Screwstem (Bartonia virginica) is an annual plant native to the Eastern United States. It stands up to 36 inches in height and produces yellow flowers which bloom from May to August. Its stems are slim and twisty, giving it its unique name. It prefers dry, open woodlands and grasslands and is a popular garden addition, adding an attractive splash of yellow to any landscape. Its medicinal properties have been long known to Native Americans, as it was used for a variety of illnesses. Its flowers are also popular with pollinators and birds.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

White/Cream Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Branched Bartonia prefers moist, sandy soils and should be watered approximately once a week during the active growing season, more often in prolonged periods without rain. It should not be overwatered, as too much moisture can cause the root system to rot. Water should only be applied when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil is dry. In cooler climates, the growing season usually begins in the spring and ends in the fall. In warmer climates, watering must be done all year to keep the soil somewhat moist.

sunlight

Branched Bartonia (Bartonia paniculata subsp. paniculata) performs best in full sun with a minimum of 6-8 hours of sun per day. This species thrives in direct sunlight for most of the day, from early morning until late afternoon. This particular species is also able to tolerate some shade in the day but when grown in shadier conditions, the bloom production may be reduced. Branched Bartonia may require more water if grown in a shadier area. Depending on the season, Branched Bartonia may require additional protection from hot sun in summer, especially in hotter areas. It is best to monitor the plant to look for signs of stress, such as wilting, and adjust sunlight accordingly.

pruning

Branched Bartonia (Bartonia paniculata subsp. paniculata) does not require a lot of pruning. Pruning should be done in late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. All dead and weak stems should be removed, and branch tips may be pruned to maintain a smaller size. Branched Bartonia does not require an extensive pruning, so it is important to be careful not to remove too much of the stems.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Starts Flowering

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.