Hypericum St. John's-wort 



61 



grown, and are worthy of more attention than has been 

 accorded them in promiscuous cultivation. Thus far, of 

 the many members of the family but few have come into 

 common use as ornamental, but as their merits are better 

 understood they are fast growing into popular favor. 

 This is seen in the fact 

 that, whereas a few 

 years ago the hyperi- 

 cums were seldom ad- 

 vertised by the nursery- 

 men, they have now so 

 far won upon the pub- 

 lic as to secure a place 

 in almost every cata- 

 logue. Nearly all have 

 opposite leaves, which 

 are frequently dotted 

 with darker colors, giv- 

 ing them a somewhat 

 singular though not an 

 especially attractive ap- 

 pearance. The sap or 

 juice is usually acrid 

 and disagreeable to the 

 taste. There are now 

 before the public a dozen or more species or well-defined 

 varieties, from which selections may be made that are sure 

 to please. 



H. kalmianum, popularly known as St. John's-wort, 

 takes its name from the Swedish botanist, Peter Kalm, 



HYPERICUM KALMIANUM. 



