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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.

Marsh St. John'S Wort (Hypericum virginicum)
Photo: Reed, Chester A. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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.

Find rebates in your area

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.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz