Perforate St John's-Wort is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in meadows, hedgerows and roadsides, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Perforate St John's-Wort is named to describe its 'perforate' leaves, actually transluscent glands that look like holes, and its flowering period, which covers St. John's Day (24th June). The transluscent glands in the leaves produce oils and hyperforin, believed to be responsible for the reported antidepressant properties of the plant. The edges of the leaves also have a small number of black glands. These produce hypericin, which acts as an insect repellant, to protect the plant from being eaten. The stems and leaves of Perforate St John's Wort are smooth and hairless.
Botanic classification and naming: Perforate 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 'perforatum' means 'perforated (leaves)'.
Concerns: Perforate St John's Wort is toxic to livestock, causing photosensitivity.
Benefits: Can be used as a wildlife garden shrub.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
|