Marsh St John's-Wort is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in marshes, wetlands and water margins, to a mature height of up to 30cm.
Marsh St John's-Wort is named to describe its common wetland habitat and its flowering period, which covers St. John's Day (24th June). It is a fairly short plant and usually grows in shallow water. It has a whitish-green appearance, owing to fine white hairs covering the leaves and stems.
Botanic classification and naming: Marsh St John's-Wort is a member of the St John's-Wort (Hypericaceae) family. The genus name
'Hypericum' identifies the plant as a St John's-Wort and its species name 'elodes' means 'marsh-growing plant'.
Concerns: Marsh St John's Wort is in decline owing to the drainage and loss of wetland habitats.
Benefits: Marsh St John's-Wort attracts bees including the Bumble bees and small flies. It also provides a habitat for aquatic wildlife.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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