St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbaceous perennial plant. It typically grows upright with branched stems, reaching heights often between 1 to 3 feet. This plant is commonly found across various habitats, including grasslands, meadows, pastures, and along roadsides, thriving in sunny positions and well-drained soils.
Are St. John’s Wort Berries Edible
St. John’s Wort berries are not recommended for consumption and are considered toxic to humans and livestock. While the plant has various uses, its seed capsules contain compounds like hypericin and pseudohypericin that can cause adverse effects if ingested. These compounds are present throughout the plant but are concentrated in the developing fruit.
Ingesting these capsules can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues. Botanically, the fruit of St. John’s Wort is a dry, capsule-like structure that splits open to release seeds when mature. They are not fleshy like true berries, and their visual appeal does not indicate edibility.
Risks and Symptoms of Ingestion
Ingestion of St. John’s Wort, or any part of the plant, can lead to a range of symptoms due to toxic compounds like hypericin. One notable effect is photosensitivity, where the skin becomes highly sensitive to sunlight. This can result in severe sunburn-like reactions, rashes, and blistering, particularly in areas of skin exposed to light. The severity of these reactions can vary depending on the amount ingested.
Gastrointestinal upset is a common symptom following ingestion, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abdominal pain and cramping may also occur. Neurological effects have been reported, including dizziness, confusion, restlessness, and headaches. The toxicity can affect animals similarly, with livestock experiencing weight loss, skin lesions, and other health issues if they consume the plant.
Identifying St. John’s Wort
Accurate identification of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is important for preventing accidental ingestion. The plant features distinct narrow, oblong, yellow-green leaves. When held up to the light, these leaves reveal numerous tiny, translucent dots, which give the plant its “perforated” appearance. These are actually colorless glands.
The flowers are bright yellow, about 1 inch across, with five petals and prominent stamens. They may display small black dots along the edges of their petals and typically bloom in clusters at the ends of upper branches. After the flowering stage, the plant develops small, capsule-like structures that start green and transition to a reddish-brown color as they mature, containing tiny, dark seeds.
Emergency Steps After Ingestion
In the event of accidental ingestion of St. John’s Wort, wipe any plant material from the mouth and rinse thoroughly with water. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised by a medical professional.
Contact a poison control center immediately for guidance. In the United States, the national Poison Control Center hotline is 1-800-222-1222. Provide information including the amount ingested, estimated time, and any symptoms. If medical attention is sought, bringing a plant sample can assist healthcare professionals in identification and treatment.