Tidal Marsh/ Marsh Elder

COMMON NAME: Marsh Elder

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Highwater Shrub, High Tide Bush

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Iva frutescens

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 3 to 8 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Early August to November

FRUITING TIME: Early September to mid-November

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout the coastal strip in NJ and Delaware Bay shore ~ Up brackish coastal rivers and bays

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Freely branched shrubs ~ Leaves fleshy, succulent, opposite, lance shaped with serrated margins, 1 to 3 inches long ~ Flower small, dull greenish-white, on spikes,  arranged in spike-like heads arising from leaf axils,

GENERAL INFORMATION: This large family (Asteraceae), commonly called the Aster Family, consists of 1,314 genera and 21,000 species of herbs, shrubs, climbers and a few trees is found chiefly in temperate and subtropical regions.  The plants are of value to man as ornamentals; a few are insecticides and fish poisons. The startlike florets and and flowerheads account for the family name “Asteraceae”.  “Aster” is Greek for “star”. Marsh Elder is one of two woody shrubs (other is Groundsel tree) that invades the salt marsh.  These shrubs often appear together in clumps or thickets refereed to as the saltbush community and are found at higher elevations in the marsh.  They are found in salt or brackish conditions flooded only at storms and full moon tides and mark the high water border of the  salt marsh.  The saltbush community is the last line of defense against shoreline erosion.  The plants provides a nesting area for small birds, such as the marsh wren. Marsh Elder is sometimes confused with the similar appearing and more common Groundsel Tree (Baccharis hamimifolia).  Distinguishing between the two can be aided by the an acronym:   “MOGA”, referring to the orientation of the leaves, “Marsh Elder Opposite and Groundel Alternate”.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.