Hypericum prolificum, known as shrubby St. John's wort,[2] is a deciduous shrub in the genus Hypericum. It was named for its "prolific" number of stamens.[3]

Hypericum prolificum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Hypericaceae
Genus:	Hypericum
Section:	H. sect. Myriandra
Subsection:	H. subsect. Centrosperma
Species:	H. prolificum
Binomial name
Hypericum prolificum L.[1]

Description

Hypericum prolificum is a shrub growing up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall with elliptic to oblanceolate leaves up to 70 mm (2.8 in) long and 15 mm (0.59 in) broad.[4] The flowerheads have between 1 and 9 flowers, each 15–30 mm (0.59–1.18 in) across with 5 golden yellow petals and numerous stamens.[4] The ovary is usually three-parted, though may have up to five parts in some individuals.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Hypericum prolificum is native to the central and eastern United States and Ontario.[2][5] Habitats include riparian areas, slopes, thickets, swamp edges, and oak woodlands.[2][6]

Gallery

• 
  Young leaves emerging in early spring
• 
  In flower
• 
  Flower and buds close-up
• 
  In fruit

References