Hypericum perforatum
Hypericaceae
Common St. John's Wort
Stems erect from taproot. Shorter axillary stems without flowers 1–4 in. tall. Leaves opposite, 1/2–1 in., linear to oblong with edges rolled under, with black dots especially on underside. Inflorescence consists of 25–75 flowers per stem. Flowers with 5 sepals, lance-shaped, sharply pointed with many black and green dots; petals 5, oblong, reflexed, yellow with many black dots, with many long stamens. Grows in disturbed places, roadsides, fields, pastures, below 5000 ft. Toxic to livestock. A noxious weed partially controlled by an introduced flea beetle. Traditionally thought to ward off evil spirits and often used during the feast of St. John during midsummer.
- Rarity: Common
- Flowering Time: Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
- Flower Form: 5 Petals-Many Stamens
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 1–4 feet
- Habitat: Coastal, Disturbed, Meadow
- Found In: Crater Lake NP, East Gorge, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Siskiyous, Wallowas, West Gorge
- Native: No
- Also Known As: Klamathweed, Goatweed
