ST.JOHNSWORT

Hypericum perforatum. A highly esteemed medicinal plant since ancient times. Currently in great demand for its antidepressant properties. Also used in wound healing and as a sedative. Shrubby perennial plant with yellow flowers. The variety 'Helos' is an improved variety from Germany that is more compact, thus supposedly better for mechanical harvest. It also has shown some more tolerance to disease, something that afflicts St. Johnswort during the hot and humid summers. This herb is native to Europe but has become naturalized throughout the world and North America. Forma patches from creeping rhizomes. St.John's Wort can get as high as 3 feet. Flowers are small, bright yellow. The blossoms, flowers, and seed heads give off a redish-purple juice when squeezed. This is what dyes tinctures and oils.