Hypericum perforatum, Perforate St John's-wort

Common Name: Perforate St John's-wort

Hypericum perforatum, more commonly known as Perforate St John's-wort, can be found in open woods, along hedgerows and roadside verges, and on waste ground. Its bright yellow flowers appear from June to September and the blood-red juice that exudes from its stems has made it a focus for much myth and ritual.

Perforate St John's-wort can easily be identified as it appears to have many tiny 'holes' in its leaves; these are actually colourless glands that give off a 'foxy' smell. It has bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that are peppered with tiny black dots around the edges especially. Common throughout much of Britain, but rare in central and northern Scotland.

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