St. John’s-worts

St. John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s-wort is a hardy perennial herb famous for its bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that bloom around the summer solstice. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for its soothing properties. The plant is easily identified by its small leaves which, when held up to the light, appear to have tiny perforations (which are actually translucent oil glands).

Companion Planting:

St. John’s-wort grows well near fruit trees and native wildflowers. It is a tough plant that can help stabilize soil and attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Because it can be quite vigorous and spread via runners, avoid planting it near delicate alpine plants or small, slow-growing vegetables that it might eventually overcrowd.

Care Tips:

• Planting: Grow in full sun to partial shade. It is highly adaptable and can thrive even in poor, rocky, or sandy soils where other plants struggle.

• Watering: Provide regular water until the plant is established. Once mature, St. John’s-wort is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires very little maintenance.

• Support: No support is needed. The plant grows in a self-supporting, shrubby or upright habit with woody stems at the base.

• Harvesting: For herbal use, harvest the flowering tops just as they come into full bloom (traditionally around late June). Dry them in a shady, well-ventilated area to preserve their beneficial compounds.

Fun Fact: If you crush a fresh yellow bud or flower between your fingers, it releases a deep red liquid. This pigment, called hypericin, is the primary active compound used in herbal extracts!