Freshwater Wetlands/ Yellow Loosestrife

COMMON NAME: Yellow Loosestrife

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lysimachia terrestris

FAMILY: Primulacea

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetlands

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 15 to 50 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Mid June to July

FRUITING TIME: August to October

DISTRIBUTION: Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Erect stem from stoloniform rhizome (underground stem), smooth, without hairs ~ Leaves opposite, narrow lance shaped ~ Many flowers in bracts, yellow petals

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). This genus of plants, (Lysimachia), took their name from a capacity to appease the strife and unruliness of oxen at the plough.  When these plants were placed on the yokes, the animals remain calm.  The name Lysimachia is derived from either lusimakhos, “ending strife” or Lysimakhos, king of Thrace. 

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.