Seacoast Marsh Elder
Iva imbricata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Seacoast Marsh Elder (Iva imbricata) is a perennial shrub native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states. It blooms in June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees, beetles, and wasps.
Toxicity unknown
Seacoast Marsh Elder (Iva imbricata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
Growing Seacoast Marsh Elder
Grow Seacoast Marsh Elder in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Seacoast Marsh Elder need?
- Seacoast Marsh Elder grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Seacoast Marsh Elder bloom?
- Seacoast Marsh Elder blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Seacoast Marsh Elder native?
- Seacoast Marsh Elder (Iva imbricata) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Seacoast Marsh Elder attract?
- Seacoast Marsh Elder draws bees, beetles, and wasps.
- Is Seacoast Marsh Elder HOA-friendly?
- Seacoast 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Seacoast Marsh Elder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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