Overview
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson, also known as Beach Marsh Elder or Seaside Marsh Elder, belongs to the Aster family, Asteraceae. It is a perennial plant that is native to coastal regions of North America, typically found on beaches, dunes, salt marshes, and coastal plains.Appearance
The Beach Marsh Elder grows up to 1-1.5 m in height, and has a shrubby appearance with many branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and up to 12 cm long, with margins that may be smooth, or with few and small teeth. The leaves are green on top, and pale yellow-green on the bottom. The flowers are small, 5-lobed, and grouped in loose spikes. The flowerheads can be male, female or hermaphrodite, and have a yellow color. The fruit is an achene, 5-7 mm long, and has white hairs called pappus.Common names
The plant has several common names, including Beach Marsh Elder, Seaside Marsh Elder, and Bushy Seaside-oxeye.Uses
The Beach Marsh Elder is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, the plant is known to thrive in harsh coastal conditions and can be used for erosion control. It can also provide habitat and food for birds, insects, and small mammals.Light Requirements:
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson prefers full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to achieve optimal growth, although it can tolerate afternoon shade in warmer regions.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant grows well in warm to hot climates, with optimum temperatures ranging from 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C). It can withstand brief periods of frost, but prolonged exposure to cold conditions can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson grows well in a range of well-draining soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0 to 7.5). The plant prefers soils with good moisture retention, although it can tolerate drought conditions once established.
Cultivation of Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson, commonly known as Oraria Sumpweed, is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and provides a beautiful aesthetic to any garden. It can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings, and it prefers full sunlight and well-draining soil. It is important to provide enough space between plants, as they can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Watering Needs for Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in harsh conditions. However, it still requires watering when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to avoid excessive watering. During periods of drought, it is recommended to water deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow waterings.
Fertilization of Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. It is important to avoid applying fertilizer near the stem or leaves, as it can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson
Pruning Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson is not necessary, but it can help maintain the shape and size of the plant. The best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and any crossing branches can be pruned to promote better airflow and light penetration.
Propagation of Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartlett) R.C. Jackson, commonly known as beach elder, is a shrub that is found along the coast of the southeastern United States. Propagation of the beach elder can be achieved through various methods, both sexual and asexual.
Sexual Propagation
One way to propagate the beach elder through sexual propagation is by collecting mature seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant and sown directly in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with the potting mix and watered regularly until they germinate. The seeds of the beach elder typically germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
The beach elder can also be propagated asexually through methods like stem cuttings and layering.
To propagate the beach elder through stem cuttings, select a healthy, young shoot and cut a section of it that is about 4-6 inches in length. Remove any leaves that are close to the base of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium and keep it moist. The cutting should develop roots within 2-3 weeks.
Another asexual propagation method for the beach elder is layering. In this method, select a low-lying branch and peg it to the ground. Bury the section of the branch that is in contact with the soil and keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form from the section that is in contact with the soil. Once the roots have formed, the new plant can be separated from the original plant and transplanted to its new location.
Disease Management
Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria, commonly known as Beach Marsh Elder, is a tough plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it can still be affected by fungal and bacterial diseases in certain circumstances. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease appears as small brown or black spots on the leaves and can cause them to yellow and drop prematurely. Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected leaves and keeping the plant dry by avoiding overhead watering.
- Root rot: This fungal disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage and can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring proper watering and drainage.
- Bacterial wilt: This disease is caused by the bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila and can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. Bacterial wilt can be managed by removing infected plants and avoiding planting in the same spot for several years.
Pest Management
In addition to fungal and bacterial diseases, Beach Marsh Elder can also be affected by pests. Some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause yellowing and distortion. Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can eat the leaves and cause significant damage to the plant. Caterpillars can be managed by handpicking them off the plant or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Spider mites: These tiny creatures can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Spider mites can be managed by keeping the plant well-watered and applying insecticidal soap.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Iva frutescens L. ssp. oraria involves maintaining proper watering and drainage, removing infected plant parts, and using natural methods such as spraying with insecticidal soap or handpicking pests off the plant. By following these measures, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving Beach Marsh Elder plant.
