Etymology: Hypericum: ancient Greek name derived from hyper, "above," and eikon, "picture," from old practice of placing flowers above an image in the house to ward off evil spirits at the midsummer festival of Walpurgisnacht, which later became feast of St. John
Plants: robust, erect, perennial, 2'-5' tall forb branching near the top
Leaves: large, stalkless to clasping
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1 1/2"-2 1/3" wide, long-stalked; usually solitary from the ends of the branches; blooms July-Aug.
Fruits: oval capsule with 5 chambers
Habitat: moist; woods, forests, openings, streambanks
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FAC+ Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"