I think early spring would be best, but after flowering would be second choice. We got a bunch of them donated for the GNPS sale and I had to whack them back hard. They responded well to that (Feb/Mar). The bark is very nice; this plant needs more exposure in the public. Maybe if I give bobbygil a small one he will upgrade my sandwich to a combo.

tasymo, the wild is what you want for infusing. Most nurseries carry ornamental varieties of St. John, which isn't the same thing. You want Hypericum perforatum. To double check it is perforatum, hold a leaf skyward, you should be able to see little holes (perforatum). These are actually the oil glands. Now, rub a flower between your fingers. Your hands should get stained a purple-red. Also, St. John's wort has a distinctive odor to it. Don't use those blossom from the side of the road this year as they will be polluted with car exhaust. However, definitely dig some up (if you get the land owner's permission) and plant it in your garden. You can also buy seeds from such herb seller's as Richter's. Best of luck!

Anyone interested in the learning about the weedy potential of this plant may wish to visit this website: www.weeds.crc.org.au and do a search on "St Johns Wort", there is a PDF that can be downloaded called: "St Johns Wort: best practice management guide for environmental weeds". This plant is declared noxious in parts of Tasmania, Victoria, WA and NSW, which means its sale is prohibited in those areas. Broadly speaking, this plant is weedy in most parts of South Eastern Australia where the climate could be considered mediteranean. Here is an excerpt from the PDF, it is worth noting that the ecosystems most at risk (ie grassy woodlands) are already some of the most vulnerable ecosystems in Australia with less than 5% remaining, they are home to some of Australias rarest plants: "Species and ecosystems at risk: St Johnís wort is considered a threat to indigenous plants on private property, in national parks, state forests and other reserves. Understoreys of open Eucalyptus and Callitris woodlands in natural ecosystems are particularly at risk. Economic impact: St Johnís wort is a major weed of pastures because of its toxicity to stock and its ability to compete with desirable pasture species. However, 80% of current infestations occur in areas of indigenous vegetation, particularly open Eucalyptus woodlands. St Johnís wort is a common weed of water catchment and conservation areas and therefore poses a threat to natural ecosystems. The economic impacts have not been calculated." To those who are considering cultivating this plant, please consider the broader environmental impacts that decision may have! respectfully, mudlark

Zone 7, east Tennessee. Mild winter, wet spring. Here's what I've found so far. 1. Dead plant pulled out very easily. Large roots were broken about 1-1 1/2 inches below soil line, however the thicker roots did extend past the drip line. Finer roots were present on the plant. Soil was damp but not swamp-like (We had an inch of rain of few days ago). No visible nematodes or other varmints present except for skink eggs. I know the eggs were recently laid because mama skink came back to cover the eggs. Soil: 2. New photo of problem plant Note the two-three stems/trunks in the ground. The foreground trunk has all dying leaves. The background two(?) trunks are mixed between healthy and dying leaves. Same plant from SW side: The flowers are growing off one stem/trunk. Photo of clippings Photoshopped for color. The black strip is electrical tape for color reference, white background. Right side is the dead/dying clipping and the left side is a clipping from the apparently healthy shrub. Should I attempt to remove the dead/dying parts at the roots? Thanks, and let me know if this helps.