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Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District Common St. John's
Wort (St. John's
Wort) The non-native (European) Common St. John's
Wort is common in our area. It prefers full sun and medium moist to dry soil
containing loam,
sand, or gravel. Habitats include degraded weedy meadows, gravelly areas
along roads, and sterile waste areas. This perennial is 1–2½' tall, branching frequently with round hairless
stems; larger stems have 2 small ridges. The opposite leaves are about
1" long and 1/3" across, oblong, hairless, and stalkless. The
surface of these leaves is perforated by numerous translucid dots, and often
have black dots along the margin of the underside. The upper stems terminate
in flat-headed clusters of several flowers. Each flower is about ¾"
across, consisting of 5 bright yellow petals (with scattered black dots along
the margins), 5 green sepal, 3 styles, and 20+ stamen.
Common St. John's Wort at Hoover Forest Preserve July 20, 2015
Common St. John's Wort along Sundown Lane August 26, 2013
Common St. John's Wort at Hoover Forest Preserve June 25, 2013
Common St. John's Wort along Sundown Lane August 26, 2013
Common St. John's Wort foliage along Sundown Lane August 26, 2013 St. John's Wort is most commonly used as an anti-depressant. It has also been used to relieve muscle problems, to reduce swelling, sprains, cramps, bruises, varicose veins, menopausal symptoms, and anxiety. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice. Click here for more information. Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved. |
