Hypericum boreale, commonly known as Northern St. John’s-wort, is a short-lived perennial herb native to wet meadows, marshes, and the edges of ponds and streams in eastern North America. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and spreads 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. This plant is characterized by its bright yellow flowers with numerous stamens that bloom in mid to late summer, creating a showy display. The flowers are borne on erect, branching stems with simple, oblong to linear leaves that are opposite and sessile.

Northern St. John’s-wort is valued for its medicinal properties and is often used in traditional herbal remedies. It is also appreciated for its ornamental qualities, particularly its vibrant flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In cultivation, it prefers consistently moist to wet soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as they are acidic (pH 4.4 to 6.0). It is commonly used in rain gardens, water margins, and naturalized areas. While it is not tolerant of salt, it can handle occasional flooding. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread by both seeds and rhizomes, potentially becoming aggressive in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0