Golden Barrens

Beach Plum fruit

Some plants dominate certain beach areas, such as the golden heather. This plant releases a toxin into the ground that slows the growth of other plants, giving it plenty of room to grow. Its complex root system helps anchor the sand, but trampling by humans can easily damage the roots. This plant is commonly found around beach plums, a shrub whose fruit ripens in late summer to fall. The Lenape people used these fruits in their diet. A neighbor to these plants is the seaside goldenrod. This blooms into large, bright yellow flowerheads in the fall.