Hypericum japonicum is a perennial herb with hairless whole plant, horizontal rhizome and purplish red. The stem is erect, 30-70 cm high, cylindrical, with black glandular spots, purplish red at the base, usually unbranched, with brown glands on the tender shoots and inflorescence axis.

Traditionally, it is mainly used to treat sores and swelling, damp-heat jaundice, intestinal carbuncle and abdominal pain.

Alias: Hedyotis Diffusae, Turtledove Nest, Hedyotis Diffusae, Snake Fork, Hedyotis Diffusae, Seven-inch Gold, Hedyotis Diffusae, Golden Key, Hong Haier, One-inch Golden Grass, Tianbianju, Lepidium, Mangosteen, Vaccaria, Ilex tenuifolia, Guanyin Lotus, Gracilaria lemaneiformis, and Seven Layers.