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: perennial, 4"-16" tall forb, with many upper branches
Leaves: stalkless, elliptical to oval, rounded at both ends
Flowers: yellow; inflorescence a branched cluster (cyme); blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: capsule, dark purple; elliptical
Habitat: wet; in sandy, mucky soil