Other Hypericum
Several St John's worts lack the translucent dots.
Use the botanical sourceExtra care needed
St John's wort.
Hypericum perforatum
Also found as Perforate St John's wort
A meadow herb whose leaves show translucent dots against the light and whose yellow flowers stain fingers red.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Interacts with many medicines, including contraceptives, antidepressants, blood thinners and transplant drugs. Can cause sun sensitivity.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 60,302
- People who recorded it
- 23,556
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jun–Jul
- Records span
- 1976–2026
| January | 231 |
|---|---|
| February | 195 |
| March | 304 |
| April | 1403 |
| May | 3704 |
| June | 16337 |
| July | 20852 |
| August | 9430 |
| September | 3133 |
| October | 1136 |
| November | 607 |
| December | 210 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Opposite leaves with translucent dots visible when held up to light.
- 02
Bright yellow five-petaled flowers with black dots on the petal edges.
- 03
Two raised lines along the stem; crushed flower buds release red pigment.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Ragwort
Jacobaea vulgaris has yellow daisy-like flowers and lobed leaves; toxic.
Use the botanical sourceSelected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to Europe and Asia; invasive in parts of North America and Australia.
Watch the plant stage
Flowers in midsummer.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Flowering top
Traditionally dried for tea or infused in oil. Seek medical advice before internal use.
Care for the patch
Invasive in rangeland in several countries; follow local guidance.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Hypericum perforatumBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Hypericum perforatumTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction