Family: Hypericaceae — st. john’s-wort family

Species in the Hypericaceae are annual or perennial herbs or shrubs with simple, untoothed leaves that grow opposite each other along the stem. The leaves may be dotted with tiny black or translucent spots. The flowers are arranged in branched inflorescences and are actinomorphic (radially symmetrical). There are 4 or 5 sepals and 4 or 5 petals; these attach below the ovary (i.e., the ovary is superior), and the sepals tend to stay on the plant after the other flower parts have fallen. The flowers have both pollen-bearing and ovule-bearing parts, often with many stamens. The stamens have long filaments and may sometimes be fused together. There are 3-5 styles, which are sometimes fused together at their bases. The fruit is a dry capsule that opens to release its many seeds. Species in the Hypericaceae were formerly considered to be part of the Clusiaceae.

This family’s genera in New England

• Hypericum
• Triadenum

Visit this family in the Dichotomous Key

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