Thunberg's meadowsweet (Spiraea thunbergii) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Thunberg's meadowsweet is a shrub grown in U.S. gardens, where its arching stems bear small white flowers in early spring. The leaves are narrow and willow-like. Thunberg's meadowsweet is also called Thunberg spirea.

Appearance

Growth form: This usually reaches 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) tall and wide, with slender stems that arch outward like a fountain.
Leaves: The pale green leaves are narrow and willow-like, usually about 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm) long.
Flowers: Small white flowers, each about 1/3 in (8 mm) wide, grow in clusters of three to five along the previous year's stems.
Flowering time: In North Carolina, it usually blooms in April; timing varies in other states.
Fruit: The dry fruit opens along one side to release seeds.

Look-alikes

bridal wreath spireaSpiraea prunifolia

Thunberg's meadowsweet has very narrow leaves and single flowers. Bridal wreath has broader oval leaves, and the garden form most often sold has double flowers.

Why they get mixed upBoth are arching shrubs covered with small white flowers in spring.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: sunny shrub borders
gardens and parks
Range: Native to Japan, it is grown in U.S. gardens and has become established in parts of the eastern United States.
Preferred conditions: It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and tolerates some drought. It is suited to hardiness zones 4–8.
Flowering: Flowers Apr
Flowers Apr

Growing it

Propagation: It can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: The cultivar 'Ogon' has golden spring leaves that turn yellow-green later in summer.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The scientific name honors Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg.

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