Iva hayesiana (San Diego Marsh-elder)
← Back to Plant DatabaseIva hayesiana
San Diego Marsh-elder
Characteristics
Height: 2 - 4 ft
Width: 6 – 9 ft
Hardiness: Very Hardy
Natural Setting: Alkaline flats
Plant Type: Perennial, Groundcover
Dormancy: Evergreen
Form: Spreading
Growth Rate: Fast
Soil: Adaptable
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Low once established
Cold Tolerance: Tolerates cold to 10 - 20° F
Overview
An underused adaptable, low maintenance evergreen groundcover. Very hardy plant that can grow in a variety of less than ideal conditions. From sandy to heavy soils this plant will thrive! It is very drought tolerant and can tolerate extra moisture in low lying areas. This is a great choice for erosion control on slopes. Has tiny yellow flowers in the spring.
Uses
Makes a nice low growing hedge or groundcover for bioswales.
Anecdotal Experiences
Has one of the more divisive smells in the native plant community - you like it or you hate it. Smells like concentrated Artemisia
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Lush spreading groundcover with violet blooms in summer to fall.