St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow flowers that have oval, elongate petals. It is a rhizomatous, perennial herb. The plant gets its name because it is often in full bloom around June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist. Common names for St. John Wort are Klamath Weed, Goat Weed, Johnswort, Roslin Rose, Tipton Weed, St. John's Grass and Amber Touch and Heal.
St. John's Wort is an easy to grow herb. St. John's Wort is a perennial herb that grows into a small shrub if allowed. With attractive leaves, it has clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom from July through August. It can grow to a couple of feet tall. Erect stems branch in upper parts with small pale green leaves. Flowers are bright yellow in terminal clusters with long hairy yellow stamens.
Almost any area of your garden or flower bed will be acceptable to St. John's Wort. They grow well in full to partial sun, tolerating shade. They prefer moist, light soils. Sandy and coarse soils are fine. St. John's Wort is hardy, but to assure a good start, it should be started outdoors after the last frost in your area. Once started, these plants will grow well with little or no attention. Fertilizer always helps, but is only necessary in the poorest of soils. Just make sure to provide water during extended period of dry weather.
St. John's wort, once thought to rid the body of evil spirits, has a history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used to treat a range of illnesses, including various 'nervous conditions.' St. John's wort also has antibacterial and antiviral properties and, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, has been used to help heal wounds and burns. Both the flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes.
Historically, St. Johns Wort has been used as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, mental disorders, nerve pain, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites. Today, St. John's wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, kidney ailments, incontinence, and pulmonary problems.
The flowering tops of St. John's wort are used to prepare teas, tinctures, and tablets containing concentrated extracts. The leaves are also used in teas.
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Moisture: Regular garden watering.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 - 8.
This plant is in a 2.5-inch pot.
Herb Plants 
