When does Spotted St. John's Wort bloom?

Hypericum punctatum blooms from June through August, producing bright yellow flowers that attract various pollinators.

Where is Spotted St. John's Wort native?

This species is native to 39 states across the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Minnesota.

What pollinators visit Spotted St. John's Wort?

The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.

What growing conditions does Hypericum punctatum prefer?

Spotted St. John's Wort is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of moisture levels from wet to dry soils.

Is Spotted St. John's Wort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spotted St. John's Wort as toxic to livestock.

Is Spotted St. John's Wort HOA-friendly?

Spotted 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.

Spotted St. John's Wort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hypericum punctatum

Last reviewed: July 2026

Hypericum punctatum (Spotted St. John's Wort) is a native wildflower blooming yellow flowers from June through August across eastern and central United States. This adaptable forb attracts bees, beetles, and flies.

Spotted St. John's Wort (Hypericum punctatum) — Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Spotted St. John's Wort as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Dotted St. John's-wort is a native perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow, five-petaled flowers from June through August. This herbaceous plant forms modest clumps and goes dormant in winter, returning each spring with fresh green foliage.

Growing Spotted St. John's Wort

Grow Spotted St. John's Wort in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spotted St. John's Wort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Has a wild, weedy appearance that most HOAs would reject
Can spread and look unkempt in formal settings
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow blooms attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies during the summer months.

Common questions

When does Spotted St. John's Wort bloom?: Hypericum punctatum blooms from June through August, producing bright yellow flowers that attract various pollinators.
Where is Spotted St. John's Wort native?: This species is native to 39 states across the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Minnesota.
What pollinators visit Spotted St. John's Wort?: The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
What growing conditions does Hypericum punctatum prefer?: Spotted St. John's Wort is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
Is Spotted St. John's Wort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spotted St. John's Wort as toxic to livestock.
Is Spotted St. John's Wort HOA-friendly?: Spotted 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 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 Spotted St. John's Wort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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