Common St. John's Wort

Hypericum prolificum (hy-PER-ih-kum pro-LIF-ih-kum)

Family: Hypericaceae Native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Shrubby St. John's Wort is a herbaceous, perennial, deciduous or evergreen flowering shrub with a compact, dense habit, dark green leaves, and yellow flowers. It is one of around 400 species of Hypericum, which include herbs, shrubs, and trees, with different bloom times and cultural requirements. In nature, it is often found in open woods, bogs, hedge banks and grassland, dry sunny places, and usually on calcareous soils. The genus name comes from the Greek words hyper meaning above and eikon meaning picture in reference to the practice of hanging flowers from this genus above images, pictures or windows. The specific epithet means many or prolific in reference to the many stamens. Shrubby St. John's Wort will grow in a range of soils from sandy to clay and, while it prefers to stay moist, it will tolerate dry soils. The plant will grow in full sun or partial shade, but full sun will maximize blooms. It is a slow grower and will tolerate drought. It can spread, the root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length, but can be kept under control with spring pruning. This plant can be used in a ran garden. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems : No known diseases or insect pests. However, root rot and wilt can be significant problems in hot and humid climates.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 67 attributes.