San Diego Marsh Elder

Choosing San Diego Marsh Elder: Hello, future gardener! The San Diego Marsh Elder (Iva hayesiana) is a lovely native plant that's perfect if you're looking to support local wildlife or create a natural garden. It’s particularly great for areas with moist soil. You can find seeds or young plants at native plant nurseries or online.

When to Plant: This plant thrives in warm weather and loves being planted in the spring or early summer when there’s no risk of frost. That way, it has plenty of time to get established before cooler weather sets in.

What You'll Need:

San Diego Marsh Elder seeds or small plants

A pot or space in your garden (if using a pot, make sure it’s large enough—around 12 inches wide)

Soil that holds moisture well (a mix of regular potting soil and some compost works well)

Watering can

• A spot that gets partial sun to full sun (it likes both but can handle shade too)

Tip: If you’re planting near a pond or an area that naturally stays damp, this plant will thrive without much effort!

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill a pot or seed tray with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle a few seeds on top and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil—just enough so they’re not sitting directly on the surface.
3. Water gently so the soil stays damp but not soggy.
4. Place the pot in a sunny or partially shaded spot.
5. Keep the soil moist while you wait. Seeds usually sprout within 1 to 2 weeks.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a hole in your garden or pot slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and fill the space around it with soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.
3. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle in.
4. If you're planting more than one, space them about 18 to 24 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Tip: Since this plant loves water, it’s okay if the soil feels a bit wetter than usual—it’ll be happy!

Watering: San Diego Marsh Elder likes to stay hydrated! Make sure the soil is always moist, especially during hot or dry spells. In really hot weather, you may need to water every other day—or even daily—if it’s in a pot. If it’s planted near a pond or damp area, you might not need to water as often.

Sunlight Needs: This plant is flexible—it can handle full sun, partial shade, or even mostly shady spots. However, it does best in areas that get a mix of sun and shade throughout the day.

Feeding: You don’t need to fertilize much, but adding a little compost around the base of the plant once or twice a year will keep it healthy and thriving.

Pruning: You can trim back any dead or overgrown stems in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. This will also help keep the plant looking tidy.

Tip: If you notice leaves turning yellow, it might be getting too much water. Adjust how often you’re watering to prevent root rot.

When to "Harvest": Unlike fruits or vegetables, San Diego Marsh Elder doesn’t produce something you’d “harvest” to eat. Instead, its real beauty lies in its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.

Seed Collection: If you want to collect seeds for next year, let the flowers mature into seed heads. Once they turn brown and dry, snip them off and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again.

Tip: If you want to encourage birds and beneficial insects, leave the seed heads on the plant through fall and winter—they’ll love it!

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean one of two things: either the plant is getting too much water, or it’s not getting enough nutrients. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, cut back on watering; if it’s dry, water more frequently. Adding some compost can also help provide nutrients.

Q: Can I grow San Diego Marsh Elder in a dry area?

A: This plant prefers moist soil, so dry conditions aren’t ideal. If you live in a drier area, consider planting it near a water source or in a spot where the soil stays damp. Regular watering will be key.

Q: Is San Diego Marsh Elder invasive?

A: No, it’s not invasive. In fact, it’s a native plant that helps support local ecosystems by attracting pollinators and providing habitat for wildlife.

Q: Does it attract pests?

A: Not typically! This plant is pretty hardy and tends to attract helpful insects like bees and butterflies rather than harmful pests.

Q: How tall will it grow?

A: San Diego Marsh Elder can grow anywhere from 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on the growing conditions. Give it enough space to spread out and thrive!