Iva annua: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:50, 15 February 2025

Species of flowering plant

Iva annua, commonly known as sumpweed or marshelder, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, floodplains, and disturbed areas.

Description[edit]

Iva annua is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stems are erect and branched, often with a reddish tint. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lanceolate, with serrated margins. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow and arranged in dense clusters.

Distribution and Habitat[edit]

Iva annua is widely distributed across the central and eastern United States, extending into parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in open, sunny locations and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and along riverbanks. The plant is well adapted to disturbed soils and can often be found in areas that have been cleared or otherwise altered by human activity.

Ecology[edit]

Iva annua plays a role in its ecosystem as a pioneer species, often colonizing disturbed areas and helping to stabilize the soil. It provides habitat and food for various insects and wildlife. The seeds of Iva annua are consumed by birds and small mammals.

Uses[edit]

Historically, Iva annua was cultivated by Native American tribes for its edible seeds, which are rich in oil and protein. The seeds were an important food source and were often ground into flour or used in porridge. Today, the plant is not widely used in agriculture but is of interest for its potential as a source of biofuel and for its historical significance in archaeobotany.

Cultivation[edit]

Iva annua is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is tolerant of a range of conditions. The plant can become weedy in some areas, so care should be taken to manage its spread.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Iva annua''', commonly known as the annual marsh elder, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family [[Asteraceae]]. It is native to parts of North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, floodplains, and other moist, disturbed sites. This annual herb is notable for its adaptability to different environmental conditions and its role in various ecosystems.
+{{short description|Species of flowering plant}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Iva annua
+| image = Iva_annua_(USDA).jpg
+| image_caption = Iva annua in its natural habitat
+| regnum = Plantae
+| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
+| unranked_classis = Eudicots
+| unranked_ordo = Asterids
+| ordo = Asterales
+| familia = Asteraceae
+| genus = ''[[Iva (plant)|Iva]]''
+| species = '''''I. annua'''''
+| binomial = ''Iva annua''
+| binomial_authority = L.
+}}
+'''''Iva annua''''', commonly known as [[sumpweed]] or [[marshelder]], is a species of flowering plant in the [[Asteraceae]] family. It is native to North America and is found in a variety of habitats, including [[prairies]], [[floodplains]], and [[disturbed areas]].
 ==Description==
-''Iva annua'' is an annual herb that can grow to a height of 1-2 meters. The plant has a robust stem, which is often branched and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are lanceolate to ovate, with serrated margins and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers of ''Iva annua'' are small, greenish, and clustered in compact heads. These are not showy flowers, as they lack petals and are primarily wind-pollinated. The flowering period extends from late summer to fall.
+''Iva annua'' is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stems are erect and branched, often with a reddish tint. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lanceolate, with serrated margins. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow and arranged in dense clusters.
 ==Distribution and Habitat==
-''Iva annua'' is widely distributed across North America, from Canada to Mexico. It thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soils and is commonly found in areas such as marshes, riverbanks, and agricultural fields. The plant's ability to grow in disturbed sites makes it a common weed in some regions.
+[[File:Iva_annua_(USDA).jpg|thumb|left|''Iva annua'' in a prairie setting]]
+''Iva annua'' is widely distributed across the central and eastern United States, extending into parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in open, sunny locations and is commonly found in [[prairies]], [[meadows]], and along [[riverbanks]]. The plant is well adapted to [[disturbed soils]] and can often be found in areas that have been cleared or otherwise altered by human activity.
-==Ecological Role==
+==Ecology==
-The annual marsh elder plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for various insects and birds. Being a pioneer species, it can quickly colonize disturbed sites, helping to stabilize the soil and pave the way for the succession of other plant species.
+''Iva annua'' plays a role in its ecosystem as a pioneer species, often colonizing disturbed areas and helping to stabilize the soil. It provides habitat and food for various insects and wildlife. The seeds of ''Iva annua'' are consumed by birds and small mammals.
 ==Uses==
-While not widely known for its uses, ''Iva annua'' has been utilized in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples of North America. The plant has been used to treat various ailments, although scientific studies on its medicinal properties are limited.
+Historically, ''Iva annua'' was cultivated by Native American tribes for its edible seeds, which are rich in oil and protein. The seeds were an important food source and were often ground into flour or used in porridge. Today, the plant is not widely used in agriculture but is of interest for its potential as a source of biofuel and for its historical significance in [[archaeobotany]].
-==Conservation==
+==Cultivation==
-Currently, ''Iva annua'' does not face any significant conservation threats. Its ability to thrive in a wide range of environments and its status as a common species in many regions contribute to its stable population. However, changes in wetland habitats and agricultural practices could impact its distribution and abundance.
+''Iva annua'' is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is tolerant of a range of conditions. The plant can become weedy in some areas, so care should be taken to manage its spread.
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Asteraceae]]
-* [[Wetland conservation]]
+* [[Prairie]]
-* [[Invasive species]]
+* [[Native American agriculture]]
+[[Category:Asteraceae]]
 [[Category:Flora of North America]]
-[[Category:Asteraceae]]
+[[Category:Annual plants]]
-{{plant-stub}}