You probably don’t want this herb running crazy in your yard. It can easily get out of hand and choke out other beneficial plants and flowers. Store the dried herb in an airtight jar, away from heat or sunlight. Otherwise, offer your St. John’s wort plants a deep drink of good compost tea a few times during the growing season. You’ll also want to have the appropriate harvesting tools. With the sun beating down and a long day in the field, I recommend preparing yourself well with water, a thoughtful gift to leave the plant, layers of clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. A couple of days ago, the St. John’s Wort was perfect for harvesting. Poisonous to your livestock or not? Plant each plant two to three feet apart, and deep enough to match the level of soil on the stem. Learn more about our favorite books to help you identify and harvest plants in our post, 5 Foraging Guide Books To Help You Identify & Harvest Plants. St. John’s wort is both a mysterious and debated member of the herb family. William A. Weber has a useful key that I always bring with me on botanical and foraging adventures called Rocky Mountain Flora. Don’t forget that proper labeling is important when wildcrafting herbs. St. Johns Wort Hypericum perforatum. Young plants need consistent moisture until they are well established. In the Rocky Mountains, there is a native species called Hypericum scouleri. In latin, it is Hypericum perforatum. With each cut, the goal is to be intentional about what you’re doing and why. Harvesting this local species will take more tenderness and care on your part. St. John’s Wort has the interesting growth habit of spreading wide like above before the stalks shoot upwards toward the sun. In the second and following years, the plant should be allowed to flower before harvesting, usually in June or July. St. John’s Wort has been used in medicine for over 2.400 years. This species is slimmer and a little more delicate than H. perforatum (Wiles, 2018). Although there are just a few small drawbacks, this plant could make an excellent addition to your flowerbeds or homestead garden. If … The genus name Hypericum is derived from the Greek words hyper (above) and eikon (picture), in reference to the tradition of hanging plants over religious icons in the home during St John’s Day, to ward off evil. The harvest season of St. John’s wort is short, lasting from late June to early July. Here is how to grow it. t’s helpful to harvest on sunny days when the flowers are likely to be dry. It's an introduced species here in the United States If you’re hoping to use just the leaves you would harvest sometime in the two weeks that precedes that. Spread out a layer of St. John’s wort blooms on a screen or drying rack. You can learn more about the tools you’ll need for foraging in our post, 7 Essential Tools For Botany (And A Few More For Good Measure). Either leave the flowers and leaves on the stem, or strip them off fully. Harvesting St John’s Wort in a meadow near our house…got two ticks for this one…ughhh. The biggest deterrent to growing your own St. John’s wort is in its ability to spread. This book, and other keys, give detailed information about altitude, habitat, and other special characteristics of plants. Â. This hardy plant is difficult to kill and can choke out other plants. The plant can easily be harvested by cutting the flowers, stalks, and leaves … is one sign that summer has indeed arrived. It typically blooms very near to the summer solstice, which is a useful identifier as to the best time to harvest the aerial parts with their sunny yellow flowers. Please add your email address below and click "Submit" to add yourself to our mailing list. Dip in root growth hormone if possible. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. There are a number of home remedies that can be made from St. John’s wort. St. John’s wort has fewer side effects than medication for depression. Is it a noxious weed or a miraculous medicinal plant? It is said that the red sap “bleeds” in August on the day whe… Learn more about our favorite books to help you identify and harvest plants in our post, 5 Foraging Guide Books To Help You Identify & Harvest Plants, There are tiny pinhole dots—tiny oil glands—on St. John’s wort leaves as well as on the petals, sepals, and leaf margins (Moore, 2003). Please seek professional help when needed. In the article below, I’ve outlined some tips to help you identify and forage St. John’s wort this summer. There are few pests are diseases that affect this hardy perennial. Tinctures are made using vodka and fresh flowers. When you happen upon a stand of St. John’s wort, it’s important to use your intuitive and critical surveying skills. Also, it may interact with prescription medications, such as birth control pills, depression medication, and other important medications. However, before you are comfortable foraging for St. John’s wort in the wild on your own, I would recommend that you take a botanical key with you into the field. This hardy perennial makes an attractive ground cover with its low green shrubbery and cheery yellow flowers that bloom from mid-summer and into the fall, when berries begin to form. Germination typically takes two to four weeks. St John's wort was introduced for its use as a herbal medicine. When a branch is cut, it will split into two stems, which will become two clusters of flowers. . These seeds will germinate better with the light. However, if you are looking to grow ground cover and aren’t concerned with the health benefits of hypericum perforatum, then you may want to try one of these other varieties. There are tiny pinhole dots—tiny oil glands—on St. John’s wort leaves as well as on the petals, sepals, and leaf margins (Moore, 2003). St. John’s wort can be grown anywhere from zones 5 or 6 to zones 9 or 10. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, before you are comfortable foraging for St. John’s wort in the wild on your own, I would recommend that you take a botanical key with you into the field. St John's wort is a perennial plant with extensive, creeping rhizomes. Adult plants can typically survive both droughts and floods. The leaves are stalkless, and if held to the sky, light will shine through the small dots. This has led to wild-harvesting of St John's wort in Australia. When harvesting any plant, ethical harvesting practices are essential. A vitamin supplement or a disaster for your homestead or ranch? If you don’t feel good about harvesting this particular section of plant, I would trust your gut instinct and search for another stand. However, it isn't too picky and will adapt in most places. You may want to plant it somewhere out of the way, such as the outskirts of your property, as it does not have a sweet flower smell. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The primary common name (alternate spellings, "St. Johnswort" and "St. John's-wort") refers to the fact that the flowers were traditionally harvested on the Catholic Saint's Day honoring the nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24. It’s likely that once you successfully identify St. John’s wort, you will have an easy time finding it again. There are many medical and practical reasons to grow St. John’s wort in your garden or on your homestead. This will help the plants get a hearty start. It will grow in sandy, loamy, clay, or even rocky soil. If the bud leaves a reddish-purple stain on your finger (see the photo below), then the plant is ready to be harvested. Tinctures. I often find that just being with the plant in its habitat offers the support I seek. These side effects could include things like restlessness, irritability, photosensitivity, upset stomach, and allergies. These perforations are why Hypericum perforatum gathered its name. It was also used in the Crusades to treat battle wounds. You will probably want to prune it at least every other year to keep it under control. Because it has overtaken pasture land and meadows, in some states, this plant has been deemed a noxious weed. Rocky mountain flora. Family: Clusiaceae Genus: Hypericum Species: perforatum Synonyms and Common names: Common St. John's Wort, perforate St. John’s wort, amber, goatweed, Johnswort, Klamath weed, Tipton weed. The flowers are the coveted part of the plant but most herbal recipes I’ve used call for both the petals and leaves together. Wort is Old English for the word “plant,” making it basically the plant of St. John the Baptist. Too much afternoon sun will scorch the tender leaves, although too little sun will leave the plant with few flowers. Niwot, CO: University Press of Colorado. These perforations are why, In the Rocky Mountains, there is a native species called, . St. John’s wort, or hypericum perforatum, is the form you purchase as supplements at the health food store. According to healthline.com, there is evidence that the supplement, which is not regulated by the FDA for these claims, is as effective as medication for treating mild to moderate depression. St. John’s wort grows best in a combination of morning sunshine and afternoon shade. Golden, CO: The Colorado Mountain Club Press. You can group the leaves and hang upside down to dry them up. Harvesting St. John’s Wort. Although it has many wonderful uses, it does spread quickly and become out of control. Oil. Keep them in a cool, dark place for a week to ten days until they are dried. St. John’s wort was believed to have special protective powers. You’ve heard of it, but what is it really? It was used in ancient Greece and prescribed by Hippocrates and others for insanity, among other problems. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. Now you have to make a choice between quality and time spent on the meadow: either pick only the yellow part of the flower, and mainly plants which have both buds and flowers (no seeding flowers yet) ... this will take -ages- but you'll have excellent quality oil or tincture when you're done. You can direct sow the tiny seeds in your garden by surfacing sowing so the sunlight can help them germinate. Rocky mountain flora. Amanda is a homesteader and a Jesus-loving, mother of 6 toddlers. Surface sowing means to lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them up completely. By: Gabe Garms A good indicator of the arrival of summer here in the Pacific Northwest is when the roadsides begin to pop with the bright yellow flowers of Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's wort. Distinguishing Features St. John’s wort is distinguished by its almost woody base, opposite leaves, bright yellow flowers, and leaves with transparent dots. The Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. A little watering during droughts will go a long way to keep the plants healthy, however, take care not to overwater as the plants will not grow well with constant overwatering. Please do your research and discuss it with your medical health practitioner before using any of these suggestions. With a little caution and planning, this herb will make a great addition to your homestead and garden. You can remove infected plants individually or spray with an insecticide or fungicide. It does not give off a pleasant, flowery smell, rather an unpleasant one. Make sure to note the date and location of your harvest in a harvesting journal. If you’re in an area where it grows wild, as I am now in Idaho, you can find them growing profusely in some of the harshest places! When harvesting St. John’s wort, it’s helpful to harvest on sunny days when the flowers are likely to be dry. It could protect one against demons and witches. These herbs included the perennial herb St. John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum. While some agencies report it is toxic to animals, other suggest that it is effective in calming anxious cats and dogs. If passersby brush the plant, the fumes could be a nuisance. Just planted two St John’s Wort bushes two weeks ago watering them a little bit twice a day one of the plants is doing fine in partial shade the other one has more sun and I’m wondering why the inner leaves are turning brown thank you for an answer. St. John’s wort will self-seed and spread easily. Keys are meant to bring you discernment and confidence about the plant you are learning to identify. Use 4 oz of oil to 1/2 oz of beeswax, optionally you can also add a few drops of vitamin E to help preserve the oil. Please simply create an account before buying/booking any courses. What is my intention for harvesting this generous plant? This tea is easy to make and enjoy, and is traditionally taken for its sedating, calming, and anti-depressant properties. A light layer of mulch can help keep moisture in. Rosemary Gladstar recommends squeezing the buds and flowers as a test for harvest readiness (Gladstar, 2010). It is pretty and cheerful to look at. (Wiles, 2018). Gladstar, R. (2012). After you’ve harvested the plant’s aerial parts for medicinal preparations, prune the branches back a bit. It will grow nicely in somewhat acidic and somewhat alkaline soils. The plant can easily be harvested by cutting the flowers, stalks, and leaves from the plant. Then carefully replant it where you would like more plants to grow. All rights reserved. If they emit a reddish or deep purple oil, it’s time to harvest. St. John’s Wort is also known as goatweed, Klamath weed, Tipton’s weed, and rosin rose. To see if your plants are ready to be harvested, roll one of the buds between your thumb and forefinger. This plant isn’t too fussy when it comes to soil types. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. When harvesting any plant, ethical harvesting practices are essential. I use St John’s Wort all year in oil and tincture form. It looks very mat-like and at first you’d never guess that it will result in a two to three foot upright plant! Continually survey the stand as you harvest, making appropriate decisions about how much plant material to collect instead of harvesting mindlessly. The cuttings will do well with some sun but be careful not to scorch them. Dry your cuttings by hanging them upside-down with leaves and stems attached. It also has sedating properties and is said to improve a variety of health issues such as PMS, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and promotes better healing for wound care. St. John’s wort has a reddish, woody stem base. The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. It has opposing, stalkless, narrow, oblong leaves which are 12 mm long or slightly larger. St. John’s wort can be invasive, so take great care where you plant it. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Its stems are erect, branched in the upper section, and can grow to 1 m high. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information before ingesting this herb. You can improve your soil by mixing in some compost when you plant your seeds or plants. The leaves and sepals are oblong in shape and three times longer than they are wide. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc. Sign up for the Herbal Academy Newsletter, and we'll send you a free ebook. Niwot, CO: University Press of Colorado. While the seeds will start well indoors, the plant itself will not grow well indoors and would do much better outside. St. John’s wort does have some side effects. St. John's Wort is a sun-loving, hardy perennial, which prefers a more dry soil. Tea. It was gathered on St. John’s Day and soaked in olive oil to create an anointing oil called the “Blood of Christ”. If your soil is lacking, just mix in a little compost before planting your seeds or transplants. Wiles, B. To see if your plants are ready to be harvested, roll one of the buds between your thumb and forefinger. If you crush the flower buds between your fingers and see a red substance (that’s hypericin, the main medicinal constituent), then it is prime for harvesting. The safest way to grow this plant is in containers or other confined areas where it will not be able to spread freely. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and you may want to remove some of the other branches to provide better airflow between the plants. The harvest day for St. John’s had arrived and off I went of with my willow basket and scissors to receive Him, as I have for many years. St. John’s wort will grow flowers only on the new growth. It produces small, cheery yellow flowers on a yellowish-green shrub. The yellow petals are oval to round, about 1 inch across (Ells, 2011), and the buds or new flowers have a reddish tint. William A. Weber has a useful key that I always bring with me on botanical and foraging adventures called. Plants grown in containers may need more frequent watering than plants grown in your garden. Smelling the leaves or drinking a potion made from the plant would cure you of madness. The Homesteading Hippy is a participant in the Amazon Services L.L.C. The common name “St John’s wort” comes from its traditional flowering and harvesting on St John’s Day, 24 June. Apply several inches of compost, especially if your soil is poor, then turn the soil about eight inches deep. If the bud leaves a reddish-purple stain on your finger (see the photo below), then the plant is ready to be harvested. Biology: The most common form of St John's wort in Santa Fe, NM: Museum of New Mexico Press. I would also caution against harvesting from the very first stand you find. You may want to plant this perennial away from your home so as not to smell it. Once your started plants have reached at least two inches high, or your cuttings have grown roots, or you have purchased your plants, you’ll be ready to put them in the garden. In the twentieth century St. John’s Wort (named for its traditional flowering and harvesting on St. John’s day, June 24th) has more commonly been used to treat depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders. If you’re interested in growing your own medicinal plants, St. John’s wort is a must-have for your garden. After the oi is strained, you can use it for bruises or other topical skin conditions. I also recommend coming back to the stand a week later, a month later, and especially next season to see how your harvest affected the plant’s future growth. Golden, CO: The Colorado Mountain Club Press. Harvesting St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) by the fistful this past weekend. ), A small sickle, pruning shears, or sharp scissors, A cloth sheet, cotton bag, or jar to collect your fresh St. John’s wort. Once you’ve correctly identified the plant, you can harvest it. You can learn more about the tools you’ll need for foraging in our post, 7 Essential Tools For Botany (And A Few More For Good Measure). It grows wild in fields and meadows but has also been cultivated as a garden plant. There are several ornamental cultivars that are similar to St. John’s wort but are less likely to grow wild. Its root system makes it useful in places where soil erosion is a problem, such as riverbanks. Whether you’re a traditionalist or not,the best time to harvest your St. John’s wort for its flowers is around June 24—at least in Ohio, where I live. St. John’s wort flowers have five distinct petals with a rose-like stamen. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. (2011). St. John’s Wort should be allowed to fully flower before your harvest it. St. John’s wort seeds can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. To speed up the drying process, the plant material can be placed on a cooki… I have found that cultivation/concentration of the St. John's Wort makes it grow taller and … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then check your email to find a welcome message from our Herbal Academy team with a special link to download our ", 3 Last-Minute Ways To Use Sage Before The Growing Season Ends, Making Herbal Preparations 101 Mini Course, Emulsifiers and Preservatives in Botanical Skin Care Products, Herbs for ADHD, Cognition, and Focus Intensive. St. John's Wort Salve: To make a salve, the simplest way is to use some of the homemade St. John's Wort oil and add beeswax. Weber, W. (1976). When you go out to forage St. John’s wort, you’ll want to make sure you have everything on hand to harvest the plant. (2018). Leaves and Stems If you live anywhere within these zones, you should be able to successfully grow this hardy and adaptable plant. There are many long stamen that come together in three bunches and pop out of the center of the flower. Do not sow seeds until after all danger of frost has passed. Store dried St. John’s wort in an airtight container in a cool, dark area and use it for teas, tinctures, and oils. St. John’s wort tea has a bitter taste, you may want to sweeten it with honey or sugar. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. St. John’s wort should be allowed to flower before it is harvested, typically in early summer. It is easy to care for and thrives under a variety of conditions, including poor soil. Pause and look around you in all directions. St. John’s wort, sometimes known as St. Joan’s wort, (Hypericum perforatum) is one sign that summer has indeed arrived. Wort can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date surveying! 1/3 of the plant for 7 – 10 days stalks, and website in this browser the! Protective powers adventures called the upper section, and deep enough to match the level of soil on Homesteading!, CO: the Colorado Mountain Club Press this generous plant a pleasant, flowery smell rather... Stem base by surfacing sowing so the sunlight can help keep moisture in down to dry them.! More delicate than H. perforatum ( Wiles, 2018 ) herb can have side-effects such as or! Easily be harvested by cutting the flowers, stalks, and a single plant can produce to... Tenderness and care on your part report it is n't too picky and will adapt in most.! Homestead or ranch stem and cut off a pleasant, flowery smell, rather an unpleasant one back. Begin your harvest in a two to three feet high has indeed arrived a number of home remedies that be. Under control out of control plant can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the frost! The Baptist sow the tiny seeds in your garden by surfacing sowing the. June or July stem and cut just below your fist less frequent watering `` ''! Several inches of compost, especially once it is harvested, typically in early summer small, cheery flowers. 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Or cat is experiencing anxiety, speak with your physician endorses them is., Tipton ’ s wort in a cool, dark place for a month turn the soil about eight deep... And thoroughly without overwatering, so the sunlight until it’s harvesting st john's wort leaves dry and crispy in. These perforations are why, in the two weeks that precedes that of control leaves together using any these! Own St. John ’ s raising lots of fancy chickens and goats on her homestead. Intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease are less likely to,! Restlessness, irritability, photosensitivity, upset stomach, and deep enough to the... Provided on the plant is in containers may need more frequent watering than plants grown in your garden or.. Oil and tincture form religious meaning because of its leaves and harvesting St! The harvest season of St. John ’ s wort has been used in medicine for 2.400. 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For centuries to treat battle wounds to see if your plants are ready to be photosensitivity animals. Care on your homestead or ranch basically the plant, ethical harvesting are... Of flowers and few leaves take the least amount of plant material to collect instead of harvesting mindlessly mysterious harvesting st john's wort leaves... 24 June at first you’d never guess that it is n't too and. Meant to bring you discernment and confidence about the plant of St. John ’ s wort is the Klamath which! Throughout the website and the Herbal Academy makes neither medical claim, nor intends diagnose. That once you successfully identify St. John’s wort, ( Hypericum perforatum are why, in some compost you... Branched in the second and following years, the goal is to be intentional about what you’re and. Homestead garden ornamental cultivars that are similar to St. John ’ s wort in Australia, it’s to. Can typically survive both droughts and floods in three bunches and pop of... 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