Bushy St. Johnswort
Hypericum densiflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Hypericum densiflorum is a native deciduous shrub found throughout the eastern United States that produces bright yellow flowers from June through August. This adaptable St. Johnswort attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles while tolerating various soil moisture conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bushy St. Johnswort as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–60" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, GA and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bushy St. Johnswort is a medium-sized native shrub that produces clusters of bright yellow flowers throughout the summer months. This deciduous plant forms a rounded, dense shape and thrives in full sun with moderate water needs. It provides reliable summer color and works well as a foundation planting or mixed border shrub.
Growing Bushy St. Johnswort
Grow Bushy St. Johnswort in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bushy St. Johnswort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Winter appearance may look sparse when dormant
Wildlife value
The abundant yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long summer blooming period. This native shrub provides important nectar sources when many other plants have finished flowering.
Common questions
- Where does Hypericum densiflorum naturally occur?
- Bushy St. Johnswort is native to much of the eastern United States, including states from Massachusetts south to Georgia and west to Arkansas and Louisiana.
- When does Hypericum densiflorum bloom?
- This shrub produces its characteristic yellow flowers during the summer months of June, July, and August.
- What pollinators visit Hypericum densiflorum?
- The flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects including native bees, butterflies, and beetles that help with pollination.
- What growing conditions does Bushy St. Johnswort prefer?
- This adaptable native shrub grows best in full sun but tolerates partial sun, and can handle wet to dry soil conditions once established.
- Is Bushy St. Johnswort toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bushy St. Johnswort as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bushy St. Johnswort HOA-friendly?
- Bushy St. Johnswort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bushy St. Johnswort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz