Ward off those winter blues with a splash of yellow
St. John’s Wort herbs
Are you are looking for an attractive groundcover that can grow in partial shade, crappy soil, fluctuating water levels, no serious insect or disease issues, and easy maintenance? St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Calycinum spp.) might be just what the gardening doctor ordered! It’s a low-growing plant with vibrant yellow flowers and deep green foliage. This American native plant has 3” flowers that bloom from midsummer until fall, and the dense mat of foliage is deciduous semi-evergreen.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
St. John’s Wort is in the flowering plant family Hypericacea
Grows 12-18” tall and 18-24” wide
St. John's Eve Traditions Date Back to Celtic Solstice Rituals
The More You Grow
Besides being a lovely plant, St. John’s Wort has been used by ancient healers since the 6th Century AD. St. John’s Wort actually gets its common name from the Order of Saint John, which used it to treat wounds during the crusades. Interestingly, it was burned on the eve of St. John’s Day, to stave off evil spirits. Today, it is commonly used internally as an herbal remedy to treat mild depression and symptoms related to menopause. St. John’s Wort oil is used topically for its antibiotic properties to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. You can easily learn to make your own home remedies from the fresh flowers and buds in tea or tincture form.