White Spiraea
Other Names: White Meadowsweet, Birch-leaved Spiraea, Shiny-leaf Spiraea
Family: Rosaceae
Native to: Western North America
Natural habitat: prairies, waters edge, rocky slopes
Shapes: clump, upright
Height: up to 3ft
Unique attractions: fall colour, flowers
Tolerances: fire resistance
Common uses: landscaping, naturalized plantings, shade garden
Light: full sun, partial shade, full shade
Soil: moist and fertile, well drained, tolerates heavy clay, drought tolerant, ph adaptable, dry
White Spiraea is a small flowering shrub native Western North America. Rhizomes give it a low spreading nature, growing in grasslands, forest edge, water's edge, and forest understory. In late spring, flat-topped clusters of white flowers bloom and the stamens give the impression that it "shines". Leaves are green and toothed toward the ends turning a nice copper to yellow or orange in the fall.
White Spirea persists as a pioneer species after fires, it tolerates tolerates a wide range of sun and soil conditions but prefers part sun and well drained soil. Attractive to many pollinating insects.
