Hypericum punctatum
spotted St. John's wort
Overview
Hypericum punctatum is an erect herbaceous perennial in the St. John's wort family, growing 1.5-3 feet (45-90 cm) tall on smooth, often reddish stems. The opposite, stalkless leaves are oblong, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long, and marked with scattered black dots and translucent glands visible when held to light. In summer, branched clusters carry many five-petaled yellow flowers, each about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across, with petals and sepals dotted and streaked with black glands. Numerous yellow stamens form a central tuft. Small pointed seed capsules follow and split to release numerous tiny seeds. The black glandular dots that mark the petals and foliage give the plant its common name and separate it from related yellow-flowered species. The foliage contains hypericin, which can cause photosensitization in light-skinned livestock that graze it in quantity. The species grows in dry to moist open woods, fields, roadsides, and clearings across eastern North America. It spreads by seed and short rhizomes to form small patches. Its flowering is comparatively brief, lasting a few weeks in midsummer, which limits its season of interest in a border.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to the Great Plains.Suggested Uses
Used in native meadow plantings, wildflower gardens, and naturalized borders in eastern North America, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Its summer flowers draw native bees and other pollinating insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Blooms from June through August, peaking in July across most of its range. Each cluster stays in color for two to four weeks before forming seed capsules. Individual flowers last only a day or two.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight