Spiraea albaIndiana Native
Meadowsweet

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose Family) 217

Genus:

Spiraea (Spirea Bridal-Wreath) 10

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Upright 579

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 3 236

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 850

Flower Notes:

White (3-4" long cone-shaped clusters)

Foliage Notes:

Green (alternate, narrow, toothed)

Stem Notes:

Several stems grow from base

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Brown capsules)

Ultimate Height:

3-4 feet

Ultimate Spread:

3-4 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium to wet 69

Soil Notes:

Prefers medium to wet, well-drained soils.

Range:

Eastern North America

Maintenance:

Low 290

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are alternate, narrow, toothed, and terminal. Flowers are cone-shaped (3-4" long) and consist of tiny, white flowers that bloom in summer. Fruits contain 5 pod-shaped follicles which dry out and split, maturing in September.

Ecological Functions:

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Spirea

Special Characteristics:

Indiana Native 168

Wet Soil Tolerant 110

Additional Information

The meadowsweet is an Indiana native shrub that can be found in wet prairies, marshes, and flood plains. Its flowers appear on panicles during the later summer months and last till about September, making this shrub a great addition to the landscape as a late blooming shrub. The flowers also attract pollinators, such as bumblebees and other bee species. Wet soils are needed for this shrub and can even tolerate periods of flooding. Every three years, cut down the stems to the ground to allow new flush of growth and to maintain the health of the shrub.

When Spiraea alba has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

Flowering

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No Fruiting Observations Available

Additional Information

Flowering

Other plants like this Spiraea alba (Meadowsweet)