Family: Hypericaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 785 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hypericum
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Irish St. John’s-wort, scientifically known as Hypericum canadense, is an intriguing perennial herb that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. This plant, first described in detail in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, has established a notable presence in various regions from Eastern Canada down to North Carolina, as well as across the Eastern United States.
Hypericum canadense thrives in a variety of habitats, typically favoring moist, sandy soils often found in meadows, marshes, and other wetland environments. Its adaptability to different moisture levels allows it to succeed in both saturated and moderately dry conditions, making it a versatile addition to native plant gardens and ecological restoration projects.
The plant is characterized by its slender, erect stems that can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. The leaves of Irish St. John’s-wort are oppositely arranged, linear to lanceolate in shape, and possess a distinctive dotted appearance due to the presence of translucent glands. These minute glands, visible when the leaves are held up to the light, are a defining feature of the Hypericum genus, reflecting the plant’s intricate ecological adaptations.
During its blooming period, Hypericum canadense showcases clusters of small, bright yellow flowers. Each flower typically has five petals and numerous stamens, which are conspicuously longer than the petals, giving the blooms a starburst appearance. The vibrant yellow blossoms not only enhance the visual appeal of the plant but also serve as an important nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Irish St. John’s-wort also holds potential medicinal properties, akin to its well-known relative, Hypericum perforatum (commonly known as St. John’s Wort). Historically, different Hypericum species have been utilized in herbal remedies, particularly for their purported antidepressant effects and wound healing properties. However, it’s essential to note that the medicinal use of Hypericum canadense should be approached with caution, as comprehensive scientific studies on its efficacy and safety are limited.
In summary, Hypericum canadense is a resilient and visually striking species that enriches the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems in Eastern North America. Its delicate yet radiant flowers, combined with its historic and potential medicinal uses, make it a plant worthy of appreciation and further study.
Common Names
Nld: canadees hertshooi
Fra: grand millepertuis, millepertuis du canada
Deu: großes kanadisches johanniskraut, kanadisches johanniskraut
Eng: irish st. john’s-wort, lesser canadian st. johnswort, canada st. john’s wort, canada st. john’s-wort, irish st john’s-wort, canadian st. john’s wort, lesser canada st. john’s-wort
Cym: eurinllys iwerddon, eurinllys owyddelig
En: Irish St. John’s-wort, Lesser Canadian St. Johnswort, Lesser Canadian St. John’s-Wort, Canada St. John’s wort, Canada St. John’s-wort, Irish St John’s-wort, Canadian St. John’s Wort, Lesser Canada St. John’s-wort
Nl: Canadees hertshooi
Fr: Grand Millepertuis, Millepertuis du Canada
De: Großes Kanadisches Johanniskraut, Kanadisches Johanniskraut
Cy: Eurinllys Iwerddon, Eurinllys Owyddelig
: Lesser canadian st. johnswort
Synonyms
- Hypericum canadense f. minimum ((Choisy) J.Rousseau)
- Hypericum canadense var. minimum (Choisy)
- Hypericum canadense var. magninsulare (Weath.)
- Brathys canadensis ((L.) Spach)
- Hypericum canadense var. galiiforme (Fernald)
- Sarothra canadensis ((L.) Raf.)
- Hypericum hedyotifolium (Poir.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189526)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317529-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypericum canadense L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
