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fourpetal St. Johnswort

Hypericum tetrapetalum

Fourpetal St. Johnswort is a bright yellow flower that blooms in the summer. Its petals are shaped like little stars, and it can often be found in sunny spots.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The fourpetal St. Johnswort is a charming perennial herb with bright yellow flowers, each typically featuring four prominent petals. Its green leaves often have tiny, translucent dots and sometimes black glands, making it distinct. It stands out in sunny, damp areas.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyHypericaceaeGenusHypericum
fourpetal St. Johnswort
flowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgemedicinal trait badge
fourpetal St. Johnswort

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its scientific name, 'Hypericum', means 'above the picture' because it was once hung to ward off spirits.

Look closely at its leaves; they often have tiny translucent dots, making them look 'perforated'!

Rubbing its petals or leaves can release a surprising reddish-purple liquid!

This plant loves growing in wet, boggy soils so much it's sometimes called 'bog St. Johnswort'!

Special abilities

Ability

Sun Shield

The fourpetal St. Johnswort has special compounds that can make herbivores sensitive to sunlight, helping it defend against being eaten.

Ability

Wetland Warrior

This plant has roots adapted to thrive in wet, boggy soils, allowing it to grow where many other plants can't survive.

Ability

Pollinator Beacon

Its vibrant yellow flowers reflect UV light, creating a strong signal that helps attract bees and other insects for pollination.

Measurements & details

Height
10-50 cm
Spread
15-60 cm
Flower Size
1-2.5 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects pollen and nectar from its bright flowers.

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Visits flowers to gather pollen and nectar.

pollinates

Elegant Hoverfly

Epistrophe eligans

Feeds on nectar, helping to spread pollen.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers unless a grown-up says it's okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is fourpetal St. Johnswort?

10-50 cm

How wide does fourpetal St. Johnswort spread?

15-60 cm

How big are the flowers on fourpetal St. Johnswort?

1-2.5 cm

When does fourpetal St. Johnswort bloom?

Summer

Is fourpetal St. Johnswort edible?

No

Is fourpetal St. Johnswort toxic?

Mild

What is fourpetal St. Johnswort's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is fourpetal St. Johnswort pollinated?

Insect

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