How much sun does Northern St. Johnswort need?

Northern St. Johnswort grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Northern St. Johnswort bloom?

Northern St. Johnswort blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Northern St. Johnswort native?

Northern St. Johnswort (Hypericum boreale) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Northern St. Johnswort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern St. Johnswort as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Northern St. Johnswort attract?

Northern St. Johnswort draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Northern St. Johnswort HOA-friendly?

Northern St. Johnswort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Northern St. Johnswort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hypericum boreale

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Northern St. Johnswort (Hypericum boreale) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern St. Johnswort as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Ridge and Valley Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Northern St. Johnswort is a compact native wildflower that produces cheerful yellow blooms throughout the summer months. This low-growing perennial forms neat clumps with small oval leaves and stays well-behaved in the garden. It thrives in partial sun conditions with average moisture and provides reliable color from June through August.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern St. Johnswort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract various beneficial insects including native bees, beetles, and flies during its long blooming period. This native plant supports local pollinator populations while requiring minimal care once established.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern St. Johnswort need?: Northern St. Johnswort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Northern St. Johnswort bloom?: Northern St. Johnswort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Northern St. Johnswort native?: Northern St. Johnswort (Hypericum boreale) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Northern St. Johnswort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern St. Johnswort as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Northern St. Johnswort attract?: Northern St. Johnswort draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Northern St. Johnswort HOA-friendly?: Northern St. Johnswort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Northern St. Johnswort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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