Great St. Johnswort

Hypericum ascyron ssp. pyramidatum Clusiaceae

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Midwest to NE North America

Biocultural value

American Indians in Wisconsin and Michigan combined the roots of this plant with other herbs to make a strong medicinal tea for treating early stages of tuberculosis.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Prairie Moon Nursery, Prairie Moon Nursery

Description

Branched pernennial herb 7-15dm; leaves lanceolate to elliptic, 4-10cm, acute or obtuse, sessile and sometimes clasping; flowers few, chiefly solitary at the ends of the branches, 4-6cm wide; stamens very numerous, united at base into 5 sets; styles 5, united below but not persistent; stigmas capitate; fruit ovoid, 15-30mm, 5-locular.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

medicinal/pharmaceutical

Status

LX|S3|G4