Hypericum

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Flower Encyclopedia: Hypericum

Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malpighiales Family: Clusiaceae Subfamily: Hypericoideae Tribe: Hypericeae Genus: Hypericum

Hypericum, more commonly known as St. Johns Wort, is part of a genus containing some 400 species of flowering plant. A member of the Hypericaceae family, hypericum can be found growing the world over. Known also as "goat weed" and "tipton weed" it has oval shaped leaves and a distinctive yellow flower, with black coloured pin spots. It is a self seeding shrub which can grow as tall as 3 feet in height. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, flowering from early spring.

The berries, the part most commonly used in floristry, can be yellow, orange or pink. The colours most commonly seen in floristry however are peach, red and green. The green variety is much less common than its red and peach sisters; hence it commands a slightly higher price. The green hypericum berry is also more suited to contemporary-style bouquets and arrangements, while the red lends itself perfectly to traditional bouquets and seasonal arrangements - most popular perhaps at Christmas.

An added bonus of working with hypericum berries is that they don’t stain as other berries would. For a romantic and truly effective bouquet, Grand Prix roses, ranunculus and hypericum look opulent, rich and fabulous when combined - perfect for that special occasion.

Hypericum - or St. Johns Wort - is known for its wide and varied history, from the treatment of everything from depression and wounds, to the warding off of evil spirits.
In 1994, 66 million daily doses of St. Johns Wort were prescribed for the treatment of depression. It is now one of the most relied upon medicinal herbs in the world, also said to help with sleep, stomach pain, and headaches.

Did you know?

Hippocrates wrote about the medicinal qualities of St. Johns Wort, noting it in his writings as beneficial in the treatment of sciatica and hip pain.

Hypericum was used throughout the Middle Ages for the protection of humans and animals against witches, in the form of a supposed "magic" potion.

In Roman times, sprigs of St. Johns Wort were placed upon the statues of the Gods. Later, during the Civil war, hypericum would be collected and placed upon the wounds of soldiers; it was even made in to a wine to steady their nerves before battle.