Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Spiraea betulifolia var. lucida (Birchleaf Spirea, Shiny-Leaf Spirea)

Kingdom

: 

 Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom

: 

 Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision

: 

 Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division

: 

 Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class

: 

 Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass

: 

 Rosidae

Order

: 

 Rosales

Family

: 

 Rosaceae – Rose family

Genus

: 

 Spiraea L. – spirea

Species

: 

 Spiraea betulifolia Pall. – white spirea

Variety

: 

 Spiraea betulifolia Pall. var. lucida (Douglas ex Greene) C.L. Hitchc. – shinyleaf spirea

It is little wonder that the elegant spireas are also called “bridal wreath shrubs.”

The flowers are petite and creamy white, in flat-topped “powder puffs.” They attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects.

The foliage is fine and turns a pleasing color in fall, where it persists throughout much of the winter.

This spirea has a slow to moderate growth rate and does not spread quickly. Its mature height is only 3.’

Found from the eastern Cascades to the Prairies (USDA 5-8) on dry sites and steep slopes, Birchleaf Spirea has a deep taproot to anchor it against erosion and wind.

Choose a sunny site and enjoy.
   
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