Kantarion
Hypericum perforatum
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Description
Kantarion (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herbaceous plant recognized 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 has a branched, woody root system. The plant is identified by its perforated leaves containing tiny translucent dots. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, kantarion 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 plant communities with yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and echinacea (Echinacea spp.), enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Historically, it has been used in European folk medicine for mood enhancement and as a topical treatment for wounds. Its role in agroecological systems includes improving soil health and providing habitat for pollinators.
Growing Details
Kantarion thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and is drought-resistant once established. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by adding 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 overly shaded ar
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: sr
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 prepare herbal teas, although they are not commonly consumed as food. The tea is typically made from fresh or dried flowers and leaves, offering a mild, earthy flavor.
Medicinal Rating:
(5/5)
medicinal uses: Kantarion is widely known for its antidepressant properties, often taken as a supplement to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It is also used externally for wounds and burns due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The active compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, are primarily responsible for these effects.
health concerns: Kantarion can interact with various medications, including antidepressants, contraceptive pills, and blood thinners. It may also cause photosensitivity in some individuals, increasing the risk of sunburn.
other uses: The plant can be used to produce a natural dye from the flowers, yielding a yellow to red hue.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Hypericum perforatum</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Hypericum perforatum
common names: Kantarion; Obiฤni kantarion
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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โ
โ
โ
โ
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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: Kantarion thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and is drought-resistant once established. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by adding 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 overly shaded ar
Potential Disturbances: Kantarion is generally resistant to pests but can occasionally be affected by rust and leaf spot. 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 garlic spray can be used as organic control methods.
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