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: erect, annual, 4"-24" tall forb
Leaves: mostly linear, taping to a narrow base, 5-10 times as long as wide, 1-3 veins, stalkless
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1/4" wide; inflorescence a branched, usually loose cluster (cyme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: purple, conical capsule
Habitat: wet; shores, meadows; in sandy, muddy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = FACW 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 David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions