Iva frutescens
marsh elder
Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America
Deer Resistant
Native to North America
Overview
Iva frutescens is a deciduous to semi-woody shrub of coastal salt marshes, reaching 3-10 feet (0.9-3 m) tall and 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide, with multiple upright stems from a spreading root system. The stems are fleshy near the tips and become woody at the base. Opposite leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, thick, slightly fleshy, and toothed, with a gray-green cast. Small greenish-white flower heads nod in leafy terminal spikes from August to October, each head about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across and wind-pollinated. The plant produces abundant, light pollen that contributes to late-summer hay fever in coastal areas. Tiny dry seeds follow and disperse on tides and wind. The species grows along the upper edge of salt and brackish marshes, tolerating salt spray, periodic flooding, and waterlogged soil. It spreads by root suckers to form colonies. Stems die back partly in cold winters and resprout from the base. The shrub binds soil along tidal creek banks and marsh margins.
Native Range
Iva frutescens is native to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, from Nova Scotia and New England south to Florida and west to Texas. It grows along the upper margins of salt and brackish marshes, tidal creek banks, and the back edges of coastal dunes.Suggested Uses
Used in coastal restoration, shoreline stabilization, and rain gardens on saline or wet sites, spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart. Suited to the back edge of tidal marshes and brackish ponds where salt limits other shrubs. It shelters marsh birds and small wildlife.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Iva frutescens in full sun on moist to wet soils, including saline and brackish ground that few shrubs tolerate. It withstands salt spray, tidal flooding, and heavy clay, and accepts a wide pH from 6.0 to 8.0. Established plants need no supplemental water in their coastal range but adapt to ordinary garden moisture inland. Root suckers spread the plant into colonies, so room must be allowed or suckers removed. The light, abundant pollen can aggravate hay fever near homes. Winter-killed stems are cut to the base in early spring to renew the clump.Pruning
Stems are cut back to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in late winter or early spring to control height and encourage dense regrowth. Removing suckers limits colony spread. The shrub tolerates hard renewal pruning and resprouts strongly.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring