spotted St. Johnswort
Family
HypericaceaeScientific Name
Hypericum punctatumOther Common Names:
dotted St. Johnswort
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Hypericum subpetiolatum
Habit
Herb
Leaves
The oval leaves of Spotted St. Johnswort are hairless, easily seen veins, and arranged opposite each other without a petiole. They are larger than those of Common St. Johnswort at 2.5 inches (63mm) long and 1 inches (25mm) wide and have a more blunt tip. Margins are smooth and the leaves typically do not have a petiole, if they do it is very short. Smaller leaves can be seen on the axils of other leaves. Semi-Translucent, but mostly black dots are seen from the undersides of the leaves. It may also cause phytotoxicity to light colored animals through toxins (hypericin).
Identifying Characteristics
Spotted St. Johnswort typically grows to 2.5-3 ft tall and may sometimes branch. Most of its stems end in a cluster of yellow flowers. It is similar to Common St. Johnswort; however, there are a few distinct differences. The dots are more prevalent on the leaves and flower petals. Its stem is more red and green than These dots are also less translucent, but black rather than the Hypericum perforatum. It also has larger leaves but smaller flowers than the Common St. Johnswort. Like Common St. Johnswort, Spotted can spread vegetatively (by short rhizomes off its taproot) or by seed.
Flower Seed Head
The flowers are typically yellow and around 1/2 inch (12mm) across with 5 petals. One of the most distinguishing characteristics is its spots on the petals. They are of a darker color and may be seen in streaks. Styles are yellow and often have red tips.
Seed Fruit
Fruit is red/purple and about a 1/4 inch (6mm) long. The seed is small and pods split into 3 parts. Seed can be carried by the wind to be spread.
Where Found
Forests, Pastures, roadsides, etc.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
none,
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
taproot,
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb