Explore Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Hypericum perforatum | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: St. John's Wort, Common Saint John's wort
Family: Hypericaceae
Appearance: It is a herbaceous perennial plant with yellow, star-shaped flowers and perforated leaves with tiny translucent dots.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herb
Root System: Features a moderately deep primary taproot with numerous fibrous lateral roots
Height: Up to 1 meter
Width: Approximately 0.5 meters
Lifespan: Several years, often spreading through rhizomes
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Can cause photosensitivity in animals and humans when ingested in large quantities
Hypericum perforatum | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Companionship: Often found with other herbaceous plants and grasses in meadows and pastures
Invasive Range: Can be invasive in some regions, especially North America and Australia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Require light for germination, cold stratification can improve germination rates
Cuttings: Yes, especially root cuttings
Hypericum perforatum | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant
Medicinal: Widely used in traditional and modern medicine for its antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties
Cosmetics: Extracts used in skincare products for their healing properties
Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed due to toxicity
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not typically used for firewood
Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak in garden settings
Fence: Can be used as a barrier plant due to its dense growth
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: Accumulates certain minerals like potassium
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects and small animals
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