We present high-resolution, near-infrared imaging of the circumnuclear regi
on of the barred spiral galaxy M100 (NGC 4321), accompanied by near-infrare
d spectroscopy. We identify a total of 43 distinct regions in the K-band im
age, and determine magnitudes and colours for 41 of them. By comparison wit
h other near-infrared maps we also derive colour excesses and K-band extinc
tions for the knots. Combining the imaging and spectroscopic results, we co
nclude that the knots are the result of bursts of star formation within the
last 15-25 Myr. We discuss the implications of these new results for our d
ynamical and evolutionary understanding of this galaxy.