St. John’s Wort flowering like crazy

“Tall Yellow Mid-Summer Bloomer in the Yard”

A lawn weed that we like, called St. John’s Wort, is flowering like crazy in mid-July.

St. John’s Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is recognized by its clusters of yellow star-like flowers. The five-petaled flowers have a large number of stamens jutting up into the air which makes them look bristly.

Also, a close-up view of the leaves will show the small oil spots that make them seem holey, or perforated.

It’s one of those yard weeds that was left to grow as we like to mow around plants that seem interesting. It’s a great way to find out about native, and some not-so-native, plants in your area.

It’s also a way to keep the lawn looking weedy, but we don’t care about a non-sustainable manicured lawn. It would take too much time and money to keep it that way, if it’s even possible. The constant fight against weeds and grubs that would destroy the all-grass look and the spraying of any chemicals to maintain its fake look is just a ridiculous waste to keep up with the Jones.

I’m sure there are more of us out here who mow around weeds just to let them flower. 🙂

Sometimes you pay the price though, like the time I let Giant Ragweed grow next to the front door. Ignorance is bliss! At least I know how to recognize that sneeze-weed now!

Well, last year the St. John’s Wort that was mowed around flowered and must have re-seeded itself very well because it’s all over the backyard this summer.

It turned out nice to have a broad swath of tall, starry yellow flowers for a couple of weeks. Not sure how long each blossom is open but a cluster of flowers doesn’t blossom all at one time. Successive blooming flowers may extend how long the plant is in bloom.

According to USDA Plants Database at least 18 species of Hypericum spp. grow wild in Pennsylvania. Some introduced, some native, but all can be called St. John’s Wort.

The particular species photographed here is Common St. John’s Wort, Hypericum perforatum.

The plant gets about 2 feet tall when it blooms. A central main stem and several side branches give rise to small clusters of flowers at the ends of the branches.

Black dots marks the yellow flower petals as belonging to St. John’s Wort. The close-up photos show the black dots on flower buds, stems and leaves, too.