Toadflax-leaved St John's-wort | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Hypericum linariifolium

Toadflax-leaved St John's-wort is a fussy plant that has very particular habitat requirements, explaining its rarity and limited range. It needs plenty of space with few other competitive plants nearby, and acidic soils in warm areas. Steep rocky slopes exposed to the sun are a favourite. It is a perennial species and flowers between June and July.

How to identify:

Toadflax-leaved St John's-wort is one of a number of similar species: look for reddish stems, and long, thin leaves that grow from opposite sides of the stalk. Star-shaped flowers are bright yellow and delicately dotted at the edges with tiny black glands.

Where to find it:

Very rare and limited to south Devon, the west parts of Wales and the Channel Islands.

How people can help:

Toadflax-leaved St John's-wort is a rare and declining plant due to the loss of open habitats under scrub, particularly Gorse. The Wildlife Trusts manage many heathland and grassland habitats for the benefit of wildlife - careful grazing with traditional breeds and scrub clearance are just a couple of the ways they ensure a balance of plants and cover in these fragile habitats. By volunteering for your local Trust you can help too, and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.

Statistics:

Height: up to 65cm

Conservation status:

Classified as Near Threatened in Britain on the Red Data List.

Did you know?:

Most of the UK's population of Toadflax-leaved St John's-wort (also known as 'Flax-leaved') can be found on Dartmoor.

Seasons:

Summer

When to see

Start date:

June

End date:

July