Have a large backyard? Give it the look and feel of an open meadow by planting St. John’s wort. This flowering plant spreads fast and far with stems both above and below ground, which is why we recommend it more for sprawling spaces than smaller gardens.
Originating from Europe and now found in most of the U.S., St. John’s wort is a summer stunner with bright yellow flowers. In fall, the flowers give way to berries. Choose a location with partial shade and use virtually any kind of soil. And remember, it’s going to spread aggressively, so give it plenty of space to transform your landscape.
Did You Know?
In herbal medicine, St. John’s wort is believed to help treat depression, with some research showing its mood-boosting effects act similarly to clinical antidepressants.
Other Fun Facts About St. John’s Wort
- John’s wort is traditionally harvested on St. John’s Day, June 24, around the summer solstice.
- The ancient Romans were using St. John’s wort for medicine during battle as early as the 1st century AD. It was also used in “magic potions” throughout the Middle Ages.
- In both religion and culture, St. John’s wort holds all sorts of symbolism, from rebirth to courage to summer cheer.
- One St. John’s wort plant can produce over 30,000 seeds per year (thus the rapid spread)!
