Great Saint John's Wort

Hypericum ascyron

Physical Characteristics

Hypericum ascyron is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America - Quebec to Manitoba, south to Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. E. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves, shoot tips and flowering buds - cooked[105, 177]. The leaves are a tea substitute[177].

Medicinal Uses

Depurative Emmenagogue Febrifuge Poultice Stings VD Vulnerary The fruit is emmenagogue and is also used to treat skin complaints and gonorrhoea[218]. The whole plant is depurative, febrifuge, poultice and vulnerary[147, 218]. A decoction is used in the treatment of boils and abscesses, headaches and stomach ache and vomiting[147]. The root is considered to be specific for use in treating the first stages of consumption[257]. A powder made from the boiled root has been applied as a poultice to draw the poison out of a snake bite[257].

Known Hazards

None known