Marsh Elder | The Salt Marsh

Marsh elder is a small shrub with opposite leaves that die back in the winter. This plant looks similar to the groundsel tree and both grow in similar places as part of the salt shrub thicket. Marsh elder, however, can grow a little further into the marsh. Marsh elder has opposite leaves and the groundsel tree has alternate leaves. In late summer and fall, the downy seeds are released from the shrub, and it becomes covered in a white, fuzzy beard. This appearance likely led to its common name.