Imperforate St John's-wort
Hypericum maculatum
Unlike its famous relative, the Common St. John's-wort, this species lacks the translucent, perforated-looking oil glands on its leaves, giving it the name 'imperforate'.
- Scientific name
- Hypericum maculatum
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Malpighiales › Hypericaceae › Hypericum
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Moist meadows, pastures, forest edges, and damp roadside verges.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
- Range
- Europe, Western Asia
- Size
- 20 to 100 cm in height
- Lifespan
- Perennial (3-5+ years)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to intensive agricultural practices, land development, and aggressive mowing schedules.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to touch for most, but do not ingest. It contains hypericin, which can cause photosensitivity and mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Safe to observe up close. If skin irritation occurs after handling in direct sunlight, wash the area with soap and water and avoid further sun exposure.
Hypericum maculatum Crantz (syn. H. quadrangulum L.; H. dubium Leers; imperforate St John's-wort or spotted St. Johnswort , not to be confused with H. maculatum Walter, syn. H. punctatum Lam.) is a species of perennial herbaceous plant in the genus Hypericum . It is native to Europe and Western Asia. It grows in meadows.
Photo: Владимир Дворкин, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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