Small St John's Wort (Hypericum gramineum)
© Harry Rose
Native, cool season to warm-season, perennial, erect, hairless herb to 40 cm tall, but typically less than 15 cm tall. Plants are bluish-green when not stressed, but develop various shades of red when stressed. Leaves are oppositely arranged, stem clasping, lanceolate to ovate, and to 13 mm long. Flowers are yellow to orange, 5-12 mm wide and have numerous stamens. Flowering is in spring and early summer. Widespread and common in grasslands, woodlands and forests; except where it is very wet or shady. Native biodiversity. Of little importance to livestock grazing, as it occurs sparsely in pastures and produces little bulk. Is not invasive or a weed like the noxious weed St Johns wort. Has caused enteritis in sheep during a feeding trial, but not likely to do so in pastures.
Photo taken on 28 Sep 2014