Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Hypericum frondosum

Golden St. Johnswort
Hypericum frondosum

Golden St. Johnswort is a fascinating short shrub with great beauty for every season. In spring, dense blue-green foliage keeps weeds away and makes the plant suitable as a short hedge or border plant. A unique feature of St. Johnsworts is the fenestrations in their leaves—simply hold them up to light to make them visible. Throughout the entire summer, the best feature of the plant shines. The flowers of St. Johnswort are stunning and unusual. They are a brilliant golden-yellow, with large puffy globes of stamens that are highly attractive to bumblebees and butterflies. They resemble a round, bright yellow paintbrush. Even more interesting is that when crushed, the yellow flowers somehow exude a red sap that resembles blood. In fall and winter, the reddish-brown fruit capsules and the cinnamon-textured bark become visible for a great effect. It is a plant that deserves a wider appreciation.

Golden St. Johnswort works well in the shade along with trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that prefer to be maintained on the dry side. They include Eastern Redcedar, Post Oak, White and Red Oaks, Hickories, Sourwood, Tuliptree, Sweetgum, Sparkleberry, and Crossvine. Wildflower companions include Wild Ginger, Butterweed, Southern Green-and-Gold, Cutleaf Coneflower, and Sundrops.

Family: Clusiaceae (St. Johnswort) or Hypericaceae (St. Johnswort), depending on taxonomist

Description: A small semi-woody deciduous shrub with a rounded, mounding form. The bark of mature specimens is reddish, and shreds and peels in thin flakes. Leaves are opposite, ovate to oblong, 2” long and ½” wide, and have a deep blue-green color and unnoticeable venation. Flowers are golden yellow, 1-2” in diameter, borne in loose spreading clusters of up to six flowers. The bright yellow stamens of the flowers are especially showy; they form a large circular to globular clump in the center of the flower and resemble Eucalyptus or Mimosa Flowers. Blooming takes place over the entire summer. Fruits are dry, reddish-brown capsules ½” long.

Size: 3-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide

Habit: A small semi-woody deciduous shrub with a rounded, mounding form.

Light: Partial sun to partial shade

Planting and Care: Golden St. Johnswort prefers well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant. It has a dense, compact habit and does not require pruning. It prefers being shaded from direct afternoon sun, but will tolerate both direct morning and afternoon sun. It is hardy from USDA Zones 5-8.

Ornamental Value: Assets include the compact, blue green foliage as well as the attractive golden flowers with their puffy globes of stamens. The reddish fruits are attractive during fall, while the cinnamon-like bark is pleasant in wintertime.

Landscape Use: Golden St. Johnswort works well as a small hedge in shady locations or woodlands. It is useful mixed with other shrubs, or as a row or group planting. It holds high interest all four seasons, and makes a prominent feature in the shade, woodland wildflower, or butterfly garden.

Wildlife Benefits: The leaves of Golden St. Johnswort are a larval food for the Gray Hairstreak butterfly. Butterflies and bees sip nectar from the flowers, while pollen-eating bees relish the copious amounts of pollen from the many anthers. The seeds are a food source for songbirds as well as game birds.

Native Habitat: Native to the southeastern US from South Carolina and Tennessee south to Florida and west to Texas. Preferred habitats include cedar glades, river bluffs, rock outcrops, and rich woodlands.