This deciduous, rounded shrub glows with bright yellow flowers all summer long. It's hardy and easy to grow in nearly every type of soil, and it withstands occasional drought, drier soils, and proximity to black walnut trees. It typically stands 1 to 4 feet tall and, when massed, makes an attractive hedge. Mammals tend to avoid eating St. John's shrubs due to a toxin called hypericin.
 
The five-petaled flowers are shrouded by clouds of yellow stamens that offer abundant pollen for bumble bees, syrphid flies, and halictid bees. Butterflies and wasps land on the flowers but fail to find a reward of sweet nectar.
 
Native habitats include rocky ground; dry, wooded slopes; uncultivated fields; gravel bars along streams; and low, moist valleys.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 1-5' tall and 1-4' wide.
 
Grows in full or part sun.
 
Thrives in wide range of soil types and medium-dry to moist conditions. Tolerates drought and drier soils.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 23 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including 5 specialists and gray hairstreak butterfly.
 
Resources:
Floristic Quality Assessment Index
https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/epa.ohio.gov/Portals/35/wetlands/Ohio_FQAI.pdf
 
Illinois Wildflowers
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/sh_stjohn.htm
 
Missouri Botanical Garden
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279208
 
National Wildlife Federation
https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/Wildlife/7780
 
Full profile soon!