Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 989 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Iva
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to Texas
Description
Marsh-elder, scientifically known as Iva frutescens, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” the botanical name reflects its enduring legacy in the field of botany. The plant is native to a diverse range extending from Southeastern Canada all the way down to Texas, embodying a versatile adaptability to various environmental conditions.
One of the most striking features of the Marsh-elder is its robust nature. Typically found in wetlands and along coastal areas, this plant thrives in wet, saline soils where many others struggle to grow. Its ability to flourish in such challenging habitats is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. The plant exhibits a shrubby growth form, often reaching heights of up to 3 meters, and is characterized by its branched, woody stems and lance-shaped leaves.
Marsh-elder plays a significant ecological role in its native habitats. It helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion due to its dense and intricate root system. This is especially beneficial in coastal regions where soil erosion can be a pressing environmental issue. Furthermore, the plant provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including birds and insects, thus contributing to the biodiversity of the ecosystems it inhabits.
Aside from its ecological importance, Marsh-elder has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Certain compounds found within the plant are being examined for their possible uses in herbal medicine, although further research is needed to fully understand and validate these benefits.
In summary, Iva frutescens, or Marsh-elder, is a resilient and ecologically significant plant that enhances biodiversity and supports its environment. Its long-standing recognition in botanical literature underscores its importance and relevance, making it a notable species within the Asteraceae family.
Common Names
Eng: jesuit’s bark, marsh-elder, big-leaved marsh-elder
Fra: ive arbustive, iva frutescente
En: Marsh-elder, Jesuit’s bark, Bigleaf Marsh-elder, Jesuit’s-Bark, BIGLEAF SUMPWEED, Big-leaved marsh-elder
Fr: Ive arbustive, Iva frutescente
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Switzerland (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 3, 2020 by villalba General (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2020 by Istar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2012 by EOL − Jason Sharp (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by kevin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Buster Coe (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by brunhildethebonny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by kevin (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 13, 2018 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − Nate Johnson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2012 by EOL − Jason Sharp (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 13, 2018 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 23, 2012 by EOL − SharpJ99 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2008 by EOL − dogtooth77 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2012 by EOL − Jason Sharp (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 6, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5402625)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329302-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iva frutescens L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.7
Ph minimum: 5.0
