Knowledgebase

Do I Have a Weed, or a Perennial? #874243

Asked June 22, 2024, 9:59 PM EDT

Hello! I am requesting your help in identifying what might be something that should be removed from my landscaping, or if it is possible that this is a perennial that my landscaping contractor planted. They won't remember what they planted and that is why I am reaching out to MSU. LOL! Hopefully the pictures that I've attached provide what you need to identify it. I do have a lot of weeds in the area that look strikingly similar with the exception of the stalk. I don't want to attach those pictures because I do not want to confuse matters. I very much appreciate your help! Carole

Newaygo County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Carole,

Thank you for the picture of the whole plant, and the close ups.

The camera isn’t focusing clearly on the flowers and leaves because of the textured background of the mulch, and because so many stems are at different angles in the picture.

As near as I can tell this is a Hypericum species, perhaps Hypericum perforatum. Please compare with these bulletins:

https://extension.umass.edu/weed-herbarium/weeds/hypericum-perforatum

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/common-st-johnswort-hypericum-perforatum

If you would like, try taking clearer pictures— clip a stem with several inches of leaves and a couple fresh flowers and buds. Lay it out on a smooth plain paper( not paper towel, the texture throws camera focus off). Also, please put a coin or ruler next to it to show size.

A clear picture of the flower face is helpful too, so we can count the stamens, and see their color and arrangement.

You can attach 1-3 more pictures to your question:

To add pictures, click the link in your email and go into your question on the website.

Click the “Drop files here or choose them” below the response box to attach them.

You can upload .jpg, .png, .gif, .txt, or .pdf.

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Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 22, 2024, 11:37 PM EDT

Thank you for your prompt response! I've attached additional pictures to help in identifying whether I have a weed, or a perennial.

I appreciate your help! 

Carole

The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2024, 8:44 PM EDT
Thank you for the excellent new photos. They confirm this is St. John’s Wort. See the tiny black dots along the edges of flower petals, and if you magnify a leaf you can see tiny light (i.e. transparent) dots scattered on it. 
These, along with the leaf arrangement, leaf shape and size, confirm the identification.
It is a non-native perennial. It can be grown as a flowering plant. Note that it can spread by seed and by runners.
Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 23, 2024, 9:21 PM EDT
Thank you so much for the information! 


On Sun, Jun 23, 2024 at 9:21 PM, Ask Extension
The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 9:59 AM EDT

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