Freshwater Wetlands/ Water Pimpernel

COMMON NAME: Water Pimpernel

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Brookweed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Samolus parviflorus 

FAMILY: Primulaceae

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetlands

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 4 to 20 inches

FLOWERING TIME:  Late May to October

FRUITING TIME: June to October

DISTRIBUTION: New Brunswick to Florida ~ Statewide in New Jersey, most abundant throughout coastal strip and Delaware Bay shore, rare up large rivers

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stems branched from upper half ~ Leaves alternate, spoon shaped or oval, entire (not toothed) ~ Flower (calyx) bell shaped, triangular lobes, petals (corolla) 5 lobed, white

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family Primulacea commonly called the Primrose family consists of 22 genera and 800 species of herbs and half-shrubs found chiefly in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere and in tropical mountains.  Some members of the family are cultivated as garden and house ornamentals, including species of Primula and Cyclamen.   The name Primrose is from the Middle English primerose, ultimately from the Medieval Latin prima rosa (first rose).

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.