Marsh St. John'S Wort
Hypericum virginicum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Marsh St. John'S Wort (Hypericum virginicum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Toxicity unknown
Marsh St. John'S Wort (Hypericum virginicum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Hypericum virginicum, also known as Marsh St. Johnswort, is a compact native perennial that produces bright yellow flowers from June through August. This moisture-loving plant forms neat clumps in partially shaded areas and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions.
Growing Marsh St. John'S Wort
Grow Marsh St. John'S Wort in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marsh St. John'S Wort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet soil which may appear boggy
- Can look sparse or untidy in typical landscape settings
- May struggle and appear stressed in conventional garden conditions
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the summer months. This native hypericum provides important nectar resources for pollinators in wet garden areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Marsh St. John'S Wort need?
- Marsh St. John'S Wort grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Marsh St. John'S Wort bloom?
- Marsh St. John'S Wort blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Marsh St. John'S Wort native?
- Marsh St. John'S Wort (Hypericum virginicum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Marsh St. John'S Wort attract?
- Marsh St. John'S Wort draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Marsh St. John'S Wort HOA-friendly?
- Marsh St. John'S Wort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Marsh St. John'S Wort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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