Common Name: White Meadowsweet

General Information

Spiraea alba is a deciduous shrub with erect, unbranched stems growing 100 - 200cm tall[]. The plant spreads freely at the roots, eventually forming a dense thicket[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a tea. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. America - Alberta to New Brunswick, south to Missouri and North Carolina

Habitat

Moist meadows, marshes, moist open low woodlands, often in sandy soils[]. Wetlands, fens, riparian areas, moist open sites; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in full sun, but also succeeds in partial shade[, , ]. Tolerates most soils[], but prefers a good, well-drained, loamy soil with abundant moisture[, , ]. Dislikes dry soils[].
This species is closely related to Spiraea salicifolia and is sometimes treated as no more than a variety of it[].
Species in this genus generally hybridize freely with other members of this genus, and so seed cannot be relied upon to come true unless the plant has been grown in isolation from other species that are flowering at the same time[].
The flowers are attractive to butterflies[].

Edible Uses

An infusion of the leaves tastes like China tea[].

Medicinal

An infusion of the leaves is esteemed as a restorative tonic[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if possible. It is likely to require stratification before it germinates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as you receive it. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a light sandy soil a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, autumn in an outdoor frame[].
Division of suckers in early spring[]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.