Family: Clusiaceae Scientific name: Hypericum perforatum Description: Plant Form Perennial woody to fleshy herb. Size Usually 30-70 cm tall, but can reach 1.2 m. Stem Flowering stems upright and woody, non-flowering stems form tangled thickets Leaves Opposite pairs on stem, spotted with oil glands clearly visible when held up to light. Flowers Star shaped 1-2 cm diameter, bright yellow with 5 petals, Fruit and Seeds Sticky 3 cell capsules with numerous tiny golden brown seeds. Habitat Roadsides, farmland, grasslands, riverbanks, railways. Distinguishing Features Distinct from other common species. Native Hypericum species are smaller and with more orange flowers. Impacts Can cause weight loss or even death in grazing animals, especially horses, can cause skin irritation in humans, increases fire risk.