Tidal Marsh/ Sea Lavender

COMMON NAME: Sea Lavender

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Marsh Rosemary, Statice, American-Thrift, Canker-Root, Ink-Root, Lavender-Thrift, Seaside-Thrift

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Limonium carolinianum

FAMILY: Plumbaginaceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 1 to 2 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Late July to Late September

FRUITING TIME: Late August to late October

DISTRIBUTION: Newfoundland to  Florida ~ Throughout coastal strip in NJ and Delaware Bay shore ~ Found in salt marshes

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Flowers grow along one side of each branch, tiny, funnel-shaped, 5 petals, 5 stamens, 5 styles, lavender color ~ Flower stem 1 to 2 feet, widely branched above middle ~ Basal leaves, lance shaped 2 to 10 inches long, smooth, remain green until mid-winter ~ Taproot

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family Plumbaginaceae commonly called the Leadwort family consists of 22 genera and 440 species of herbs, shrubs and lianas.  Plumbago was the Latin name of the European plants; derived from Plumbum meaning “lead” and ago “resemblance”.  The genus Limonium is from Greek leimon “a meadow”.  The common name “Statice” is from Greek statikos meaning causing to stand. In colonial times the roots were used as a powerful astringent.  A decoction (extract prepared by boiling part of plant in water) of the root was given as a gargle for cankers and ulcerated sore throats. Sea Lavender is found in the regions associated with the upper limit of daily tides and it occurs as scattered plants.  Sea Lavender is valued for its beauty--even in dried plants the color remains for several years.

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.