Iva frutescens, commonly known as marsh elder or Jesuit's bark, is a tough salt tolerant native shrub adapted to brackish coastal environments. It features upright green stems with lance shaped leaves and inconspicuous greenish flowers that bloom in late summer supporting various pollinators. Its deep roots help stabilize shoreline habitats and buffer against tidal erosion.
Height & Spread: 36 - 60 in x 36 - 60 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Tolerates saline and poorly drained soils
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; thrives in moist to wet conditions
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
This species is native to coastal marshes and estuarine zones of the eastern United States, from New England to the Gulf of Mexico.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Supports late season native bees such as Melissodes and Bombus species with its pollen rich inflorescences.
Butterflies
- Utilized by salt marsh skipper and other estuarine butterflies that nectar on unobtrusive late summer blooms.
Birds
- Provides food and nesting cover for marshland birds including seaside sparrows and red winged blackbirds.
Beneficial Insects
- Attracts parasitoid wasps and hoverflies that feed on aphids and other small pests near wetland edges.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 36 - 48 in apart to form a loose natural hedge or shoreline buffer zone.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for rain gardens, bioswales, coastal restoration sites, and the back edge of salt marsh plantings.
Companion Plants
- Sporobolus alterniflorus (Saltmeadow Cordgrass) - Dense clumps of fine textured grasses provide structural rhythm and erosion control in shoreline settings.
- Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Softstem Bulrush) - Vertical water loving rush adds naturalistic form and stabilizes saturated soils.
- Solidago sempervirens (Seaside Goldenrod) - Late blooming golden spikes brighten tidal zones and support fall flying pollinators.
- Baccharis halimifolia (Groundsel Bush) - Another salt tolerant native shrub with fluffy white seed heads that add seasonal interest alongside Iva.
- Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) - Moisture loving iris brings upright violet flowers to contrast Iva’s coarse foliage.