Marsh-elder (Iva annua, Sp. Pl.: 988 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 988 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Iva

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to E. Mexico

Description

The Marsh-elder, scientifically known as Iva annua, is a noteworthy plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant holds the distinction of having been documented as early as 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, indicated in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” on page 988.

Native to the regions of Central and Eastern United States and extending into Eastern Mexico, the Marsh-elder thrives in a variety of environments, showcasing its adaptability. It is typically found in moist, marshy areas, which align with its common name, but it can also be spotted in less saturated, yet still fertile, locales.

The plant distinguishes itself with its herbaceous growth form, often presenting a robust, erect stature. Its physical characteristics include broad, serrated leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers that form dense clusters. These flowers, while not particularly showy, play a crucial role in the local ecosystems by providing resources for pollinators and other wildlife.

As a member of the Asteraceae family, the Marsh-elder shares familial traits with some of the most well-known flowering plants, including daisies and sunflowers. However, Iva annua stands out due to its unique ability to colonize disturbed soils and its tolerance to wet conditions. This makes it an important species for ecological restoration and soil stabilization projects.

Historically, the Marsh-elder was also significant to Indigenous peoples within its native range, who utilized the seeds and other parts of the plant for various purposes, including food and medicine. In modern times, researchers continue to study Iva annua to better understand its ecological roles and potential benefits.

In conclusion, the Marsh-elder is a versatile and resilient plant species with a rich history and significant ecological importance. From its distinguished documentation by Linnaeus to its vital role in both natural and human-managed landscapes, Iva annua remains a plant of notable interest and importance.

Common Names

Eng: annual marsh elder, annual marsh-elder, annual marshelder, marsh-elder, pelocote, rough marsh-elder, seacoast sumpweed, sumpweed
Swe: axiva
En: Marsh-elder, Pelocote, Rough marsh-elder, Sumpweed, Annual marsh elder, Annual Marsh-Elder, Annual marshelder, Seacoast sumpweed
Fi: Ripsi-iiva
Sv: Axiva

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Belgium (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Scott Bauer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Scott Bauer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Bryan Welch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2019 by saxton john (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2019 by saxton john (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Oct 23, 2015 by EOL − Kevin Czachura (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 29, 2014 by EOL − Bryan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Bryan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Bryan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 1, 2019 by Hosseini Amjad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Bryan (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Nov 15, 2015 by EOL − wildcarrot (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 15, 2015 by EOL − wildcarrot (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 23, 2015 by EOL − Kevin Czachura (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 1, 2001 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2019 by pnst Eno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Timothy Moore (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 8, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 6, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 6, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 6, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 23, 2015 by EOL − Karen Kroesen (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − grbfrog (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5402627)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:226339-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iva annua L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth