Shrubby St Johns Wort

Shrubby St. John's Wort (Hypericum prolificum)

Shrubby St. John’s Wort is a versatile native shrub known for its bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. This hardy plant is a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, naturalized landscapes, and areas prone to erosion, thriving in a range of soils from dry to moist. In addition to its ornamental and ecological benefits, Shrubby St. John’s Wort has a history of medicinal use, particularly for treating wounds and skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, it’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Key Characteristics:

• Medicinal Uses: Shrubby St. John’s Wort has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The leaves and flowers were historically used to treat wounds, burns, and minor skin conditions, making it valuable for wound support.

• Pollinator-Friendly: Its bright yellow flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Blooming in mid to late summer, it provides much-needed nectar when other plants have finished flowering.

• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Shrubby St. John’s Wort is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and areas with poor or dry soils.

• Erosion Control: The shrub’s deep root system helps stabilize soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes, streambanks, and other areas prone to soil loss.

• Deer Resistant: This plant is generally unpalatable to deer, allowing it to thrive in gardens where deer browsing is a concern.

Product Details:

• Native range: Eastern and Central North America
• Plant life cycle: Perennial shrub
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Dry to moist, well-drained soils
• Mature height: 3-4 feet
• Bloom time: Mid to late summer (July to August)
• Bloom color: Bright yellow
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-8

Shrubby St. John’s Wort is a valuable multi-use shrub that provides beauty, supports pollinators, stabilizes soil, and offers traditional medicinal benefits. Its adaptability, deer resistance, and drought tolerance make it an ideal choice for naturalized landscapes, pollinator gardens, and areas requiring erosion control.