St John’s wort – Hypericum

Yellow St John’s wort flowers

Hypericum species come in all shapes and sizes but they’re all yellow. The herb which is said to improve mood is Hypericum perforatum.

Perforate St John’s wort

This common wildflower grows up to about 90cm and has translucent dots on the leaves and black dots on the petal edges, with flowers 2 to 3cm across.

Perforate St John's wort Hypericum perforatum detail — Perforate St John’s wort – Hypericum perforatum – detail from the above image, showing petal markings, and leaf dots (just seen in centre of pic)

Hairy St Johns wort

The Hypericum hirsutum I spotted was smaller and more delicate looking. It was growing by the side of a path through woods. The leaves of this plant are more elongated than perforate St John’s wort. The second image shows the hairy stem and stalked black dots on sepals.

Hairy St John's wort Hypericum hirsutum detail — Hairy St John’s wort – Hypericum hirsutum – detail of same plant as above, showing dots on sepals and hairy stems

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