When does Iva imbricata bloom?

Iva imbricata typically flowers from June through September, producing small, inconspicuous green to yellow-green flower heads along its upper stems.

How much sun and water does seacoast marsh elder need?

This shrub grows best in full sun and tolerates part sun as well. It is adapted to sandy, well-drained soil and needs very little supplemental water once established, though it can handle occasional wetter periods.

What insects visit the flowers of Iva imbricata?

The small flowers attract bees, beetles, and wasps, which visit for pollen and nectar during the summer bloom period.

Is Iva imbricata useful for stabilizing sandy soil?

Its spreading root system and tolerance for shifting, sandy conditions make it a common shrub for holding dune soil in place along coastal areas.

Does seacoast marsh elder keep its leaves year round?

In mild coastal climates it generally holds its fleshy, gray-green leaves through the year, though harsh winter conditions can cause some dieback.

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.

Seacoast Marsh Elder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Iva imbricata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Iva imbricata is a low, spreading shrub found on coastal dunes along the Gulf and southern Atlantic coastlines, blooming from June through September in full sun with minimal watering.

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

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

When does Iva imbricata bloom?: Iva imbricata typically flowers from June through September, producing small, inconspicuous green to yellow-green flower heads along its upper stems.
How much sun and water does seacoast marsh elder need?: This shrub grows best in full sun and tolerates part sun as well. It is adapted to sandy, well-drained soil and needs very little supplemental water once established, though it can handle occasional wetter periods.
What insects visit the flowers of Iva imbricata?: The small flowers attract bees, beetles, and wasps, which visit for pollen and nectar during the summer bloom period.
Is Iva imbricata useful for stabilizing sandy soil?: Its spreading root system and tolerance for shifting, sandy conditions make it a common shrub for holding dune soil in place along coastal areas.
Does seacoast marsh elder keep its leaves year round?: In mild coastal climates it generally holds its fleshy, gray-green leaves through the year, though harsh winter conditions can cause some dieback.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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