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Description
Square stemmed St John’s wort (Hypericum tetrapterum) is a British native wildflower commonly found in damp grasslands, bog gardens, pond margins, woodland edges, and other wet and grassy habitats across the UK.
This British native perennial is well-suited to wildlife-friendly garden settings and natural planting schemes, where it provides nectar-rich flowers for a wide range of beneficial insects, including bees, hoverflies, and beetles. It is valued for its reliability, ease of cultivation, and ability to thrive in moist soils without becoming overly dominant.
How to identify
Hypericum tetrapterum is easily recognised by its distinctive square, four-angled stems, often with narrow wings along each edge. The opposite oval leaves are dotted with tiny translucent oil glands that are visible when held up to the light.
From June to August, the plant produces bright yellow blooms with five petals and prominent golden stamens. Square Stalked St John’s worts have distinct star-shaped flowers, bringing natural beauty and aesthetic appeal to any environment. As the season progresses, the stems often take on a reddish tinge, helping to distinguish it from other St John’s wort species.
How to grow
Square stalked St John’s wort grows best in a variety of soil types, including moist, wet, and well-drained soils, and prefers full sun or partial shade. It is ideal for pond margins, bog gardens, damp borders, and wildflower meadows, and can be planted directly into the ground or into aquatic baskets for wetter areas.
Low maintenance and winter hardy, it establishes quickly and spreads gently by seed and vegetative growth. Occasional thinning may be useful in smaller spaces, but overall it is a reliable, wildlife-supporting plant for naturalistic gardens and wetland planting schemes.
