[2][5] Iva frutescens is a subshrub or shrub with erect stems up to 3.5 meters (almost 12 feet) tall.

The adaxial (upper) side of the leaf is often covered is small warts, helping to distinguish it from sympatric shrubs.

The inflorescence is an elongated array of many small flower heads with whitish florets.

[6] Iva frutescens is very common in salt marsh habitat throughout its native range.

However, this slight tolerance of flooding allows the plant to compete with other species on the marsh margins.