St John's Wort

St John’s Wort

Names: Hypericum perforatum, klamathweed, goatweed

Description: Perennial that grows up to three feet. Stems have woody base and reddish stems. Leaves are small and oval and grow opposite. Flowers are bright yellow and may have black dots on the edges of petals. Fruit is in a capsule with dark brown seeds.

Concern level: Adult plant is unpalatable, the young plant is attractive to grazers. However concern should be high due to it’s extreme toxicity.

Toxic parts: All parts of the plants are toxic.

Symptoms: Occur within 24 hours of ingestion, nflammation, redness and ulceration of light colored skin, lack of appetite, severe itching, blindness, convulsions, coma.

Danger: Contains Hypericin which causes a chemically induced sunburn on light colored skin. Can be fatal.

More information: Herbs at a Glance