Hypericum sampsonii
Family: Hypericaceae
What it is like
Hypericum sampsonii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Wasted slopes and roadsides in China. Thickets, streamsides, grassy places, roadsides and cultivated margins at elevations of 100 - 1700 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan, India.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Edible young leaves and plant tops.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is anodyne, anticoagulant, depurative, emmenagogue, haemolytic, vermifuge. It stimulates the circulation and can also harm the foetus. Use with caution.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Haemolytic: Breaks down red blood corpuscles to separate haemoglobin.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Easily grown in any reasonably good well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade but flowers better in a sunny position. This plant is unlikely to be very hardy in Britain, though it might succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
There is a report that use of this plant can harm the foetus of pregnant females.