Back Dune/ Seaside Goldenrod

COMMON NAME: Seaside Goldenrod

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Yellow Weed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solidago sempervirens

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Secondary Dune

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: One and one-half to eight feet

FLOWERING TIME: August to November

FRUITING TIME: August to November

DISTRIBUTION: Southern Canada to Florida

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, fleshy leaves clasp smooth, several large basal leaves ~ stout stem ~ showy golden-yellow heads in a spreading inflorescence

GENERAL INFORMATION: Goldenrods belong to the largest group of flowering plants, the asters.  They have small flowers grouped into a head that gives the appearance of a single flower.  Goldenrods are a diverse group of plants, often difficult to identify due to their tendency to hybridize.  They are grouped according to their flowering patterns.  Seaside Goldenrod is one of the ‘clublike’ variety, though it can assume a more graceful, ‘plumelike’ head. While Seaside Goldenrod is primarily found in the secondary dune community, it can also be seen on the primary dune.  Its fleshy leaves and stout stems protect it from the ever present salt spray of the community.  Here it plays an important role in stabilizing the constantly shifting sand.  In addition, mice and songbirds eat its seeds, while rabbits feed on the stems and leaves.  Seaside Goldenrod blooms well into the fall, its nectar is the primary food source of migrating monarch butterflies. 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.