Content
- On what grounds can you identify St. John's wort?
- The leaves - extremely striking on closer inspection
- The flowers - golden yellow and radiant
- Recognizable by the berries in autumn
- The color test - play it safe
- Tips
The five golden yellow petals are a hallmark of St. John's wort flower
On what grounds can you identify St. John's wort?
Many plants are similar in appearance but are different from the ground up. For example, while some are healthy and curative, others are poisonous. So that you do not confuse the St. John's wort in the future with another plant, you should read on!
The leaves - extremely striking on closer inspection
Anyone who suspects that a plant is St. John's wort should study the leaves thoroughly. Here are their general features:
The leaves are really striking on closer inspection. There is no doubt that it is the St. John's wort when you hold the leaves against the light and see that there are scattered, punctiform spots. These are tissue gaps. In addition, few black dots appear. There is the essential oil contained.
The flowers - golden yellow and radiant
From the end of June you can recognize St. John's wort by its flowers. They are at the ends of the stems high above the ground. In the overall picture they look glittering. This appearance is caused by the numerous stamens, which protrude from the flower center like sunbeams. Also evident are the 5 roundish petals. They shine in a golden yellow.
Recognizable by the berries in autumn
When the flowering time is over, you can still see St. John's wort well from the grapes. They are about 1 cm in size and ovate to roundish. In August / September still bright red, they get later a black color. Each stalk houses a berry.
The color test - play it safe
If you want to be sure, pick either a leaf or a flower. Rub the plant part between your fingers. Did your fingers turn red? Then it is St. John's wort. In the flowers and leaves is a dye, which occurs when grinding to the outside.
Tips
The St. John's wort is most likely to be found in places that are in a partially shaded and dry location. Often it grows on poor meadows, on rubbish dumps and on roadsides.