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Tutsan

Hypericum androsaemum

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Malpighiales
Family:
Hypericaceae (St. John's Wort)
Type:
Semi-evergreen shrub
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
90 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, rocky places, wasteland, waterside, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 5 petals
 
5 yellow largish petals. Individual flowers up to 2.5cm across. Stamens similar in length as the sepals.
Fruit:
Spherical green berry-like fruit, changing to red and then finally a purplish-black upon ripening. The fruit contains several brown seeds, each about 1mm in length.
Leaves:
Egg-shaped leaves which are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. They are bright green and turn red in autumn. The untoothed leaves are stalkless and clasp the stems.
Aroma:
Smells slightly of curry after the leaves are crushed.
Other Names:
Shrubby St John's Wort, Sweet-amber.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Hypericum androsaemum, also known as Tutsan, is a perennial flowering plant in the Hypericaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia, and is commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows and rocky outcrops. The plant has dark green leaves and produces large clusters of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by red, berry-like fruits. The plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in traditional medicine. It is toxic if ingested in large quantity.

Blog

Tutsan, also known as Hypericum androsaemum, is a species of flowering shrub that is native to Europe, but can also be found in some parts of Asia and Africa. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful yellow flowers, which bloom in the summer, and its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Tutsan is part of the Hypericum genus, which contains over 400 species of plants commonly referred to as St. John's Wort. The plant gets its name "Hypericum" from the Greek word "hyperikon," which means "over an apparition." This name was given to the plant because it was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and witches.

The Tutsan plant grows to a height of about 60 to 90 centimeters, and has long, oval leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are arranged opposite each other along the stem and are usually about 5 to 10 centimeters in length. The plant produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that are about 2.5 centimeters in diameter. The flowers are composed of five petals and numerous stamens, and they bloom from June to September.

In addition to its ornamental value, Tutsan has a number of other uses. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and is believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. The plant is also used in cosmetics and skin care products, as well as in traditional herbal remedies for a variety of ailments, including skin problems, digestive problems, and nervous disorders.

Tutsan is a relatively easy plant to grow, and can be grown in a variety of soils, including clay, sand, and loam. It is also highly adaptable to different light conditions, and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. The plant is hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.

Tutsan is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well worth growing in any garden. With its bright yellow flowers, attractive foliage, and ability to attract pollinators, it adds color and beauty to the garden, while also providing a range of benefits. Whether you're looking for an attractive ornamental plant or a natural remedy, Tutsan is an excellent choice.

Tutsan is also known for its ability to tolerate dry conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who live in areas with limited rainfall. This characteristic also makes the plant an excellent option for planting in rock gardens, along walls and fences, or in other areas where water may not be readily available.

Another great feature of Tutsan is that it is a low-maintenance plant. Once established, it requires little care, and is generally free from pests and diseases. It is also a slow-growing plant, which means it will not quickly overtake its surrounding plants.

In terms of propagation, Tutsan can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. For best results, seeds should be sown in the autumn, while cuttings can be taken from the plant in the spring or summer. When dividing the plant, it is best to do so in the spring or early autumn, and be sure to plant the divisions in well-draining soil.

Tutsan is also a great choice for use in landscaping and garden design. Its yellow flowers and attractive foliage make it a great option for planting in groups or mass planting, where it will create a bold and colorful display. It can also be used as an accent plant, providing an eye-catching contrast to other plants in the garden.

In conclusion, Tutsan is a versatile and attractive plant that is well worth considering for your garden. Its bright yellow flowers, attractive foliage, and ability to attract pollinators, combined with its low maintenance needs and drought tolerance, make it an excellent choice for any garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, Tutsan is sure to add beauty and value to your landscape.


30 Facts About Tutsan

Tutsan, also known as Hypericum androsaemum or St. John's Wort, is a fascinating plant with several interesting facts. Here are 30 facts about Tutsan:

  1. Tutsan is a flowering shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
  2. Its scientific name, Hypericum androsaemum, derives from Greek and means "above a picture of a man."
  3. The plant gets its common name "Tutsan" from the French word "tout-saine," which means "all-healthy."
  4. Tutsan is also known as Sweet Amber and Sweet-ambered St. John's Wort.
  5. It is a member of the Hypericaceae family.
  6. Tutsan is characterized by its distinctive, bright yellow flowers with five petals.
  7. The plant typically grows to a height of 1-1.5 meters.
  8. Tutsan has opposite, oblong, and leathery leaves.
  9. The leaves of Tutsan are dotted with small, translucent glands that contain a red oil.
  10. The red oil from the glands is aromatic and used for medicinal purposes.
  11. In traditional herbal medicine, Tutsan was used to treat wounds and minor burns.
  12. The plant is also known for its purported anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  13. Tutsan has been used in the preparation of herbal teas and tinctures.
  14. It is known to attract bees and other pollinators due to its bright flowers.
  15. Tutsan is hardy and can thrive in various soil types.
  16. The plant is considered invasive in some regions where it has been introduced.
  17. Tutsan is often found in woodlands, hedgerows, and open areas.
  18. It produces small, berry-like fruits that turn from green to red as they ripen.
  19. The fruit of Tutsan is not typically consumed by humans but is attractive to birds.
  20. Tutsan has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine.
  21. In some cultures, Tutsan is associated with superstitions and was used to ward off evil spirits.
  22. It was named "St. John's Wort" because it often blooms around St. John's Day (June 24th).
  23. Tutsan's leaves and flowers contain hypericin, a compound with potential medicinal properties.
  24. Some people have used Tutsan as a natural remedy for mild depression and anxiety.
  25. The plant may cause photosensitivity, making the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
  26. Tutsan oil has been used topically to alleviate muscle pain and nerve pain.
  27. The plant is often used in cosmetics and skincare products.
  28. Tutsan is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental garden plant for its attractive flowers.
  29. In some areas, Tutsan is classified as a noxious weed because of its invasiveness.
  30. Tutsan has a rich cultural and historical significance, with various legends and stories associated with it.

Videos

Video 1: Tutsan filmed at Capernwray, Lancashire on the 17th July 2022.

 

Video 2: Tutsan filmed in the following locations:
  • Adlington, Lancashire: 11th June 2023
  • Capernwray, Lancashire: 15th June April 2023
 

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Distribution Map

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