September Shrub of the Month-St. John’s wort

The genus Hypericum includes 490 species distributed around the globe. Part of this worldwide range is due to the prolific reproductive traits some species possess. Missouri records show 16 of these species, including H. perforatum, which is considered a noxious weed because of its invasive tendencies. On the other hand, H. perforatum is the main source of the herbal supplement St. John’s wort, which has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for depression, minor ailments, and injuries.

The name has a long history, starting well before the common Christian name, when it was simply Hypericum, or “hyper-icon,” used to hang over Pagan gods or icons to ward off evil spirits. During the Dark Ages, the plant’s early remedy for depression was used for those diagnosed with possession by the devil.

Summer solstice, or Midsummer’s Eve rituals, used the plant with sunny blooms to signify the sun’s descent into the oncoming winter…until the Catholic Church, in an attempt to control the pagan fire festivals, made the date the birthday of John the Baptist. The Midsummer’s Eve bonfires became the “fires of St. John,” and hypericum became St. John’s Wort, with “wort” being the Old English name for a herbal plant.

Hypericum can come in shrub, perennial, or annual form, depending on the species. Yellow flowers, opposite leaves, and showy, rounded or oval-shaped fruits are common traits of the shrub forms. Showy berries are common in the floral trade, with colors ranging from white to green, pink, or red.

Hypericum x inodorum is a cross between H. androsaemum and H. hircinum with multiple cultivars found in the trade. These are well-behaved shrubs ranging in height from 3- 5’ with showy leaves, flowers, and berries. These hypericums prefer moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to deep shade.

Some native hypericums in Missouri that aren’t considered invasive or noxious weeds are;

Hypericum prolificum-grows to 7’ and is becoming more common in the trade.

Hypericum hypericoides-known as St. John’s cross- is a woody shrub up to 2- 5 feet tall, native to the southern half of Missouri, with 4-petaled, cross-shaped flowers.

Hypericum drummondii grows to 15” high.

Hypericum gentianoides and H. mutilum) are both annuals.

Hypericum pseudomaculatum and H. punctatum are similar and both known as spotted St. John’s wort.

Hypericum sphaerocarpum has rounded fruits.

Hypericum tubulosum and H. walteri. H. tubulosum are commonly called marsh St. John’s wort, with pinkish flowers instead of yellow.

What I love about this plant;

-Showy blooms in late spring

-Outstanding berries in summer/fall.

-Berries are great in arrangements and can come in various colors.

-Tolerates a broad range of situations from full sun to full shade depending on species-RESEARCH before you buy!

What’s not so great;

-Hypericum perforatum is considered a noxious weed in MO and discouraged from planting,

-Hypericum is considered mildly to moderately toxic to humans, pets, and livestock due to a chemical compound called hypericin.

-Handling the plant (or taking concentrated supplements) can trigger photodermatitis (skin irritation triggered by UV light exposure), so always wear gloves when pruning, etc.

-Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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