Marsh-elder
Iva frutescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Iva frutescens is a native shrub found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Maine to Texas. It blooms from June through September, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles to its small greenish flowers.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Marsh-elder as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, CT, DE, FL and 15 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Marsh-elder is a robust native shrub that grows 3-10 feet tall with a dense, rounded form. It produces clusters of small greenish flowers from summer through early fall and thrives in full sun with moderate water needs. This deciduous shrub provides reliable structure in the landscape while supporting native wildlife.
Growing Marsh-elder
Grow Marsh-elder in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 120 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marsh-elder takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Flowers are small and greenish, not showy
- Can appear wild or unstructured in growth habit
- May be perceived as weedy by traditional landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The long blooming period from June through September makes this an excellent pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles. Seeds provide food for birds, particularly finches and sparrows.
Common questions
- Where does Iva frutescens naturally grow?
- Marsh-elder is native to coastal areas from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, typically growing in salt marshes, coastal wetlands, and disturbed coastal sites.
- When does Iva frutescens bloom?
- Marsh-elder produces its small, inconspicuous greenish flowers from June through September, with peak blooming typically occurring in late summer.
- What pollinators visit Iva frutescens?
- The flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles, though the plant is primarily wind-pollinated.
- What growing conditions does Iva frutescens prefer?
- This coastal shrub thrives in full sun to partial sun with medium to high moisture levels, and tolerates salt spray and periodic flooding typical of its native marsh habitats.
- Is Marsh-elder toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Marsh-elder as toxic to livestock.
- Is Marsh-elder HOA-friendly?
- Marsh-elder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Marsh-elder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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