The largest of the St. John's Worts, H. pyramidatum can reach 6 feet in height. Large elliptic leaves (2 - 3 inches) with 2 inch yellow flowers. Blooms from June to August.

Although widely known and still used medicinally, H. pyramidatum is not the species that enjoys that popularity. The one we all know and many of us use daily is H. perforatum.

Edible Uses: Young leaves, shoot tips and flowering buds - cooked.

The leaves are a tea substitute.

Medicinal Uses: The fruit is emmenagogue and is also used to treat skin complaints and gonorrhoea. The whole plant is depurative, febrifuge, poultice and vulnerary. A decoction is used in the treatment of boils and abscesses, headaches and stomach ache and vomiting.

The root is considered to be specific for use in treating the first stages of consumption.

A powder made from the boiled root has been applied as a poultice to draw the poison out of a snake bite.

Herbal Uses: Unknown