Jesuit’s Bark
(Iva frutescens)
Jesuit’s Bark (Iva frutescens)
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Judy Gallagher
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Judy Gallagher
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Judy Gallagher | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Judy Gallagher | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-07-15T10:58:12-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Iva frutescens, commonly known as Jesuit’s Bark, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous subshrub or herbaceous perennial native to salt marshes and brackish wetlands along the Atlantic coast of the Eastern and Gulf Coast United States. It typically grows to a height of up to 3.5 meters (almost 12 feet) with erect, woody stems. The leaves are lanceolate to ovate, with serrated margins, and vary in size from 3 to 12 centimeters (1.2-4.7 inches) in length. The plant produces inconspicuous inflorescences composed of numerous small flower heads with whitish florets, which are not particularly showy but are attractive to a variety of pollinators.
Jesuit’s Bark is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and its ability to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas. It is often used in restoration projects for wetlands and naturalized areas. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires high amounts of water, tolerating a range of soil drainage conditions from fast to slow. It is not commonly found in ornamental gardens but serves an important ecological function in its native habitat. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously in suitable conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Jesuit’s Bark is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and its ability to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas. It is often used in restoration projects for wetlands and naturalized areas. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires high amounts of water, tolerating a range of soil drainage conditions from fast to slow. It is not commonly found in ornamental gardens but serves an important ecological function in its native habitat. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread vigorously in suitable conditions, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-10 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to salt marshes and brackish wetlands along the Atlantic coast of the Eastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Big-Leaved Marsh-Elder , Big Leaf Marsh-Elder , High-Tide Bush , Bigleaf Sumpweed , Iva Frutescente , Ive Arbustive
Scientific Names: Iva frutescens , Iva frutescens var. frutescens
GBIF Accepted Name: Iva frutescens L.