Seacoast Marsh Elder
Iva imbricata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, wasps
Seacoast marsh elder is a medium-sized native shrub that thrives in coastal conditions and sandy soils. It produces small greenish flowers from summer into fall and tolerates salt spray and drought well. This deciduous shrub has a somewhat informal branching habit and can spread to form colonies over time.
In an HOA neighborhood
Seacoast 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.
- Informal growth habit may appear unkempt
- Can spread aggressively and form colonies
- Deciduous nature leaves bare stems in winter
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and wasps. Seeds support songbirds and the shrub provides nesting habitat for small birds.
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.
Does Seacoast Marsh Elder fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.