St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
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Description
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herbaceous plant renowned for its bright yellow flowers and extensive use in traditional herbal medicine. It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.9 meters and features a branching, woody root system. The plant is distinguished by its perforated leaves, which contain tiny translucent dots. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, St. John's Wort serves as a valuable ground cover in the herbaceous layer of a food forest, attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. It can suppress certain weeds and is often included in guilds with plants like yarrow and echinacea, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Historically, it has been used in European folk medicine for its mood-enhancing properties and as a topical treatment for wounds.
Growing Details
St. John's Wort thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and is drought-resistant once established. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include yarrow and echinacea, which enhance biodiversity and pest resistance. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and planting in shad
Edible Parts
Leaves
Flowers
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Bee Friendly
Invasive
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Colouring
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Hypericum perforatum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Afr
applicable geo region: Temperate regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of Jun for 60 days
Harvest:
middle
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
beginning
of March
Transplant:
beginning
of May
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The flowers and leaves can be used to make herbal teas, although they are not commonly consumed as food. The tea is typically brewed from fresh or dried flowers and leaves, offering a mild, earthy flavor.
Medicinal Rating:
(5/5)
medicinal uses: St. John's Wort is widely recognized for its antidepressant properties, often taken as a supplement to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It is also used topically for wounds and burns due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The plant's active compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, are primarily responsible for these effects.
health concerns: St. John's Wort can interact with a variety of medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners. It can also cause photosensitivity in some individuals, leading to increased risk of sunburn.
other uses: The plant can be used to produce a natural dye from its flowers, yielding a yellow to red hue.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Hypericum perforatum
common names: St. John's Wort; Common St. John's Wort
family: Hypericaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Hypericum
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Low
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 10 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.9 m
max width: 0.6 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: St. John's Wort thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and is drought-resistant once established. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include yarrow and echinacea, which enhance biodiversity and pest resistance. Common beginner mistakes include overwatering and planting in shad
Potential Disturbances: St. John's Wort is generally resilient but can occasionally be affected by rust and leaf spot disturbances. To manage these, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can also deter these pressures. Neem oil or a garlic spray can be used as organic management.
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