Marsh Elder - Iva frutescens

Also known as High-Tide Bush, this species is a member of the Composite or Aster family, a deciduous shrub that typically grows about 6 feet tall, but sometimes reaches 12 feet. It can be recognized by its oppositely-arranged toothed leaves that taper as they near the tip of the stem. Situated on the numerous leafy spikes are thick clusters of small greenish white flowers that attach directly to the stems.

Marsh elder flowers from August to October along the upper borders of the salt marsh, where flooding sometimes occurs. Its native geographic range extends as far north as Nova Scotia and south to Florida.