Toadflax-leaf st. john’s-wort (Hypericum linariifolium, Symb. Bot. 1: 65 (1790))

Family: Hypericaceae

Author: Vahl

Bibliography: Symb. Bot. 1: 65 (1790)

Year: 1790

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hypericum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Madeira to W. Europe

Description

Toadflax-leaf St. John’s-wort, scientifically known as Hypericum linariifolium, is a distinctive species within the family Hypericaceae. This plant was first described by the botanist Vahl in 1790, as noted in his work published in “Symb. Bot. 1: 65”.

Hypericum linariifolium is known for its striking appearance and its native habitat range, extending from Madeira to Western Europe. The name “Toadflax-leaf” suggests a resemblance in foliage to plants in the genus Linaria, commonly known as toadflax.

The leaves of this perennial herb are narrow and linear, contributing to its unique identification among other species within the genus Hypericum. It produces delicate, bright yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months, adding vibrant color to its natural environment.

This plant typically grows in well-drained soils and can often be found in rocky or sandy terrains, indicative of its adaptability to diverse habitats within its geographical range. The resilience and hardiness of Hypericum linariifolium make it a fascinating subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Given its wide distribution and the historical context of its classification, Hypericum linariifolium serves as an essential species for understanding plant diversity and adaptation within the Western European and Madeira ecosystems. The early work of Vahl and subsequent studies have provided valuable insights into this plant’s characteristics and ecological significance, ensuring its continued study and appreciation in botanical sciences.

Common Names

Eng: toadflax-leaf st. john’s-wort, toadflax-leaved st. john’s-wort, flax-leaved st. john’s wort, narrow-leaved st. john’s wort, toadflax-leaved st john’s-wort
Cym: eurinllys culddail, eurinllys culddeiliog
En: Toadflax-leaf St. John’s-wort, Flax-leaved St John’s-wort, Toadflax-leaved St. John’s-wort, Flax-Leaved St. John’s Wort, Narrow-Leaved St. John’s Wort, Toadflax-leaved St John’s-wort, Toadflax-leaved Saint-John’s-wort
Nl: Lijnbladig hertshooi
Fr: Millepertuis à feuilles de linaire, Millepertuis à feuilles de saule, Millepertuis à feuilles linéaires, Millepertuis à feuilles de lin
Es: Pericón
Cy: Eurinllys Culddail, Eurinllys Culddeiliog

Synonyms

• Hypericum angustifolium (Lowe)
• Hypericum pulchrum (Aubry ex Steud.)
• Hypericum linearifolium (Willd.)
• Hypericum linariifolium var. radicans (Brochon)
• Hypericum linariifolium var. parviflorum (Lange)
• Hypericum karsianum (Grossh.)
• Hypericum linariifolium var. approximatum ((Rouy) Pugsley)
• Hypericum linariifolium var. montanum (Benth.)
• Hypericum perplexum (Woronow)
• Hypericum humifusum var. obtusisepalum (Rouy)
• Hypericum humifusum var. montanum ((Benth.) Rouy)
• Hypericum humifusum var. approximatum (Rouy)
• Hypericum linariifolium var. punctatum (R.Fern.)
• Hypericum linariifolium var. acutisepalum (Courtois)
• Hypericum nubigenum (Lowe)
• Hypericum linariifolium var. obtusisepalum (Courtois)
• Hypericum humifusum subsp. linariifolium (Rouy & Foucaud)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Jean-Marie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2016 by joselu_4 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Guide Local (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Jean-Marie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 23, 2016 by joselu_4 (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4933119)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:433568-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypericum linariifolium Vahl)

Specifications

Growth