Common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) is an invasive perennial that was introduced from Europe. This plant seems to follow the calendar for summer bloom times with most of its pretty yellow flowers first appearing around the summer solstice in June.
Due to the specific flowering times of the plant, it is speculated that that is where the scientific name comes from. Hyperion—the god of light—is the father of the sun god Helios. The Latin “perforatum,” which means ‘perforated,’ is in reference to translucent dots in the leaves that are visible when they are held up to light. The common name was given for St. John the Baptist who was believed to have been born during the summer solstice.
Throughout the season, new flowers are produced, providing pollen to St. Johnswort’s primary pollinator, bees. However, the flowers do not appear to produce any nectar. Once pollinated, though, Common St. Johnswort produces thousands of tiny seed capsules that simply fall to the ground. When the plant has taken on a reddish-brown color in the fall, the seeds are ready to disperse.
Common St. Johnswort was once touted as being a miracle depression remedy that costed significantly less than the prescription drugs. However, a three-year study was conducted in the early 2000s that refuted these claims, stating that “it was of little value in treating depression of moderate severity.”
Still, don’t rule the knee-high flowering plant out completely: Common St. Johnswort is an excellent ground cover that is low maintenance and drought resistent, and it had some historically redeeming qualities among the Ancient Greeks and Romans who used the plant to treat wounds, reduce fevers and even to remove fluid from the body as a diuretic.
St. Johnswort (also known as St. Johns Wort) will continue to produce blossoms until September.
Fun Facts About Common St. Johnswort
- Flowers of St. Johnswort bloom on or near the summer solstice in June.
- The scientific name, Hypericum is in reference to Hyperion who is the father of the sun god Helios.
- The common name is after St. John the Baptist who was believed to have been born during the summer solstice.
- Flowers are produced throughout the summer season and into early fall.
- St. Johnswort was once believed to have the ability to treat depression, but these claims were later refuted.
- Greeks and Romans used St. Johnswort to treat wounds and reduce fevers.
Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
