Seacoast Marsh Elder

Iva imbricata

Native to:
Bahamas, Cayman Is., Cuba, Turks-Caicos Is., United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Iva
Species:
Iva imbricata
USDA Symbol:
IVIM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white, green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Gnorimoschema terracottella, Ivana leafroller moth (Argyrotaenia ivana)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from roots following fire; common in fire-maintained coastal dune communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in coastal dune habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI