Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata)

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Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata)

Dune Marsh-elder is a common low shrub of sand dunes along the coast of North Carolina. Other common names include Seacoast Marsh-Elder and Beach Elder.

Carteret Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) leaves

The leaves are quite thick (succulent) and entire.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) stems

Young stems are thick and reddish.

Bear Island, Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata)

One of our most salt-tolerant plants, it grows the closer to the ocean than any other woody species in NC. This group is growing in the sand flats at the eastern end of Bear Island, which occasionally gets washed over by ocean waves.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) leaves

The related Maritime Marsh-elder (Iva frutescens) tends to occur on the soundside, has a larger stature, and has longer, thinner, toothed leaves.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) flowers

The flower heads are hidden in leafy bracts, making it difficult to tell, without close inspection, that Iva is in the sunflower family.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) flowers

Flower heads.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) bark

The bark is reddish on young stems, tan on older stems.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) bark

Bark detail.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata) bark

Bark detail.

Dare Co., NC 11/8/08.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata)

Iva imbricata plays an important role in dune stabilization.

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata)

It often grows interspersed with Sea Oats (Uniola latifolia).

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata)

Onslow Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Dune Marsh-elder (Iva imbricata)

Dare Co., NC 11/8/08.

 

More information:
USDA PLANTS database

Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides