Hypericum / St. John’s Wort

This is a group of 400+ annuals, perennials and shrubs, native to North America, Europe or Asia. Famously, it’s used as an herbal remedy for depression, particularly H. perforatum.

Natives

• H. buckleyi or Blue Ridge St. John’s wort is 6″ tall. Native to the Appalachians, it’s quite tolerant of heat and humidity. Good in rock gardens. Zones 5-8
• H. ellipticum or Pale St. John’s wort is native to the Northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada. Forms 2-3′ wide clumps. Zones 4-7 or 8.
• H. suffruticosum or Trailing St. John’s wort is native to the Southeastern pinelines, so it’s very good in sandy soils. Zones 7-9.

Nonnatives

• H. perforatum is consider the “common St. John’s wort” and is also the primary plant used for depression treatment. A European wildflower now naturalized in North America. Graham Ricie calls it “a familiar wayside plant that’s a colorful addition to the informal or wild garden.”
• H. calycinum (photo), another popular St. John’s wort, is native to S. Europe and SW Asia. Its bright yellow blooms appear in July and August. Zones 5-9.

Sorry, I couldn’t find a photo of a one of the natives.

Details (generalized for the group)

• Full sun to partial shade, but blooming best in sun..
• Moderate spreaders.
• Best in rich soil that’s moist, though they’re not really picky about soils.