Description
A shrubby perennial growing to 2ft (60cm) high with an odd turpentine-ish odour. It has a branched, woody root which bears many round stems. The bright green, opposite, fairly flat, oblong-linear shaped leaves are dotted with small transparent oil glands which at first look like holes. It bears beautiful golden-yellow flowers in flat-topped dichasial cymes ((groups of 3 flowers, each terminal, the opening of the centre flower prompting the opening of the other 2)). They have very prominent stamens and the petal edges are sometimes dotted with dark spots. The flowers appear summer to early autumn. It bears dark brown seeds which are encased in a shell of 3 compartments.

Other varieties, also with names shortened to St John's Wort but not really used medicinally, are:
Trailing St. John's Wort (Hypericum humifusum) - Smaller. Widespread on heaths and moors.
Slender St. John's Wort (Hypericum pulchrum) - Common on heaths and open woods, acid soils.
Marsh St. John's Wort (Hypericum elodes) - Low, creeping. Mostly marshes and wetlands.
St John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum) - cultivated.

Cultivation

Site:	Half shade. Grows in ordinary garden soil and is often found growing wild in dry, gravelly soils. It seems to prefer slightly acidic, fertile soil, however. Can make for good ground cover so is ideal for borders, banks or slopes.
Propagation:	By division.
General Care:	Mulch with compost in late spring to prevent drying out in long warm spells. Water freely in dry spells.
Problems:	Members of the Hypericum family are usually pest and disease free but can be susceptible to rust.
Harvest:	When in flower collect aerial parts (leaves, stems, etc) and flowers.

Preserve: Dry.

Warning: May cause sensitivity to light if used too much. It is thought to be the cause of some instances of livestock poisoning - Cattle are especially susceptible to sunburn after consuming this herb.