Spiraea alba (Meadowsweet) - photos and description

 

 

 

 

 

General: An erect shrub with a slender growth habit. Stems simple and dark reddish-brown in colour.

Flowers: Inflorescence is a terminal raceme, the flowers are white and have 5 petals. We measured a flower to 7 mm in diameter, and measured a raceme to 4 cm long. Blooms in late July, through August. Flowers have a sweet fragrance.

Leaves: Leaves are alternate, oblanceolate, serrate, dark glossy green. We measured a leaf at 5.5 cm long by 2 cm wide.

Height: Height listed in Budd's Flora to 100 cm, I measured plants to 45 cm tall.

Habitat: Scrubby grassland areas with good moisture.

Abundance: Common.

Origin: Native.

When and where photographed: The above photos were taken July 25th at the Maclean Wildlife Refuge 60 km east of Regina, and at White Butte, 25 km east of Regina, SK.