Spiraea betulifolia

Habit: this low growing rhizomatous shrub has many purplish-brown upright stems, next to bluish-green to green leaves. The oval leaf margins are coarsely toothed near the tip of the leaf. Inflorescence is a dense flat to round topped cluster, comprised of many small off-white flowers, appearing fluffy from the long stamens. Fruit is a group of five small follicles. Blooms between May and August.

Ecology: found in meadows, open slopes and dry rocky areas between 1000-4000 ft (300-1200 m) and in more moist conditions, streambanks and edges of lakes, at elevations up to 9800 ft (3000 m).

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade or dappled light, and moist to semi dry soil.

Spiraea betulifolia is a good plant for a butterfly garden, shrub border or pond margin.