Bayshore/ Carolina Fimbristylis

COMMON NAME: Carolina Fimbristylis

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Hairy Fimbristylis

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Fimbristylis caroliniana

FAMILY: Cyperaceae

COMMUNITY: Bayshore

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: to 4 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Early July to early October

FRUITING TIME: Early August to October

DISTRIBUTION: New Jersey to Florida, west to Texas ~ Along rivers in Pinelands and dune hollows; in brackish or saline conditions in NJ eastern counties, Monmouth to Cape May cost

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stems solitary or in small tuffs ~ long slender stolens (trailing shoot above ground rooting at nodes) ~ Leaves flat, ~ Spiklets ovoid and rounded above

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family, Cyperaceae, is commonly called the Sedge family.  The scientific name meas “fern of Carolina”. The seeds of the Carolina Fimbristylis are eaten by song birds.  These sedges provide protection for wildlife and nesting material for birds. The following rhythm may help distinguish sedges from the similar appearing rushes and grasses: Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from the tips to the ground. The stems of sedges are triangular shape in cross-section.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.