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Hypericaceae
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Light overcoming darkness.
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Genus
- Hypericum
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 12-36 in
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- well-drained, average
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 3-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- It is one of the best-studied herbal remedies in the world, with clinical trials supporting its use for mild to moderate depression.
- The 'perforatum' in its name refers to tiny translucent dots on the leaves that look like perforations when held to the light.
- Traditionally harvested on St. John's Day (June 24th), the summer solstice, it was hung over doors to ward off evil spirits.
- The red pigment released when its flowers are crushed was believed to represent the blood of St. John the Baptist.
- It interacts with a wide range of medications, including birth control pills and blood thinners, earning respect from pharmacists.
Color meanings
0
protection
1
healing
2
good health