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COMMON NAME: Goose Grass
OTHER COMMON NAME(S):
Yardgrass, Wiregrass
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eleusine indica
FAMILY: Poaceae
COMMUNITY: Edge
STATUS: Naturalized from Asia or Africa
LIFESPAN: Annual
HEIGHT: 12 to 24 inches
FLOWERTING TIME: Late July to late September
FRUITING TIME: Late July to late September
DISTRIBUTION: Massachusetts to Florida ~ Statewide in New Jersey
as a weed
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
Stem branched from the base, spreading ~ Blades smooth ~ 3 to 8 spikes
1 to 3 inches. Consider
the often quoted rhyme when identifying grasses:“Sedges have
edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from
their tips to the ground.”
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Goose Grass is a common weed in lawns. Seeds
are edible in an emergency and the seeds of Goose Grass provide food for
Ground Doves, Cardinals and Sparrows. In ancient times and continuing to today this plant family (Poaceae), commonly
known as grasses, have stood between mankind and starvation. For thousands of years grasses have provided
food we eat (wheat, rice, corn, sugar cane, and more) and food for our
domestic livestock. In earlier
times grasses were used to make thatched roofs, mats for floors, bedding,
and kitchen utensils. Indeed, some
made an entire house of a grass species--bamboo--including water-piping,
ladders and furniture. In
early man’s culture, selected grasses were used as writing tools and reeds
provided flutes and similar musical instruments.
Dyed grasses played an ornamental role as part of costumes worn
for ceremonial occasions. Incense was made from grasses. Children
made toy boats, dolls, and other toys with plants in this family.
A good whistle can be made by placing a blade of grass between
the thumbs and blowing across it. On
the darker side, early man made war using grasses for shafts of arrows,
spears, and darts. Swords and knives could be fashioned from bamboo.
Grain that has molded or have a fungus can be toxic.
Ergot, source of Lysergic acid (LSD), was discovered in a fungus
on rye grain. In the Middle Ages, whole towns in Europe suffered
intoxication, insanity and death.
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.
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