Edge/ Lance-leaved Goldenrod

COMMON NAME: Lance-Leaved Goldenrod

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Flat-Topped Goldenrod

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Euthamia graminifolia     Some botanist include this species in the genus Salidago naming it Salidago graminifolia

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 12 to 60 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late July to October

FRUITING TIME: Early August to October

DISTRIBUTION: Newfoundland to North Carolina ~ Statewide in New Jersey outside the central Pine Barrens

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Narrow lance shaped leaves, smooth (no hairs) ~ Flower clusters at end of stem, yellow, heads with 20 to 35 flowers, disk florets 2-12 in number.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This large family (Asteraceae), commonly called the Aster Family, consists of 1,314 genera and 21,000 species of herbs, shrubs, climbers and a few trees is found chiefly in temperate and subtropical regions.  The plants are of value to man as ornamentals; a few are insecticides and fish poisons. Lance-Leaved Goldenrod is found in well-drained, open, usually sandy, moist ground of floodplains, watersides, shaded woods edges, fields and roadsides. The wildlife utility of these fall blooming weeds is very low in proportion to their abundance and availability.  Some songbirds eat the seeds and small mammals eat the foliage.  The Monarch Butterfly feast on the various species of Goldenrod found at Island Beach State Park during their fall migration. In British folklore, goldenrod is both a healing herb and a sign of wealth.  This plant was said to point the way toward hidden gold and hidden springs. Goldenrod also reduced inflammation and pain that accompanied bladder or urinary tract infections. In Germany, some species of goldenrod received official recognition for its effectiveness in getting rid of kidney stones.  Herbalist John Gerard wrote in 1597 that “goldenrod is extolled above all other herbs for the stopping of bloud in bleeding wounds”.  Some species of Goldenrod have been recognized as an antioxidant, diuretic, and astringent.  It has been used to treat nephritis, cystitis and bladder stones; sore throat, chronic nasal congestion, gastroenteritis, and as a mouthwash. Contrary to popular belief, insect-pollinated goldenrods are not a cause of seasonal allergies.  Ragweed, which blooms at the same time as the goldenrod produces airborne pollen and is the real culprit.

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.