Plant Detail: Spiraea alba

* Common Name:	narrow leaved meadowsweet, northern meadowsweet, white meadow meadowsweet
* Genus:	*Spiraea*
* Species:	*alba*
Subspecies:
* Family (scientific):	Rosaceae
* Family (common):	Rose
Synonyms :	Spiraea salicifolia paniculata
* Distribution in Canada:	Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia P.E.I. Newfoundland

Photographer: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

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Habitat

Ecozone(s):

Atlantic Maritime
Mixedwood Plains
Boreal Plains
Prairies
Hudson Plains

Natural Habitat(s):

Prairie/Meadow/Field
Wet Meadow/Prairie/Field (less than 25% cover)
Riparian (edge)
Swamp/Marsh (nutrient rich)
Lakeshores

Habitat Garden(s):

Pond Edge/Wetland Garden
Butterfly
Bird
Hedgerow / Thicket / Windbreak / Screening

Erosion Control? Yes

Characteristics		Growing Conditions
* Plant Type:	Shrub	Moisture Requirements: Normal, Moist, Wet Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Soil Requirements: Clay, Sand, Loam Temperature Zone: 3
Evergreen?	No
Average Height:	100 to 150 cm
Tolerances:

Flower Info		Fruit/Seed Info
Showy flowers?	Yes	Showy fruit/seeds?	No
Bloom time:	Jun to Aug	Edible for humans?	No
Flower Colour(s):	White/Cream	Fruit/Seed Colour(s):	Brown

Miscellaneous		Uses
Fragrant Flowers?	Yes	Urban Oasis, Stewards in the City, and Eco Superior are specific Evergreen programs that some plants are used in.
Fragrant Foliage?	No	Program & Other Uses:	Stewards in the City Culinary Medicinal Aboriginal
Fall colours?	No
Distinctive bark?	No
Poisonous to humans?	No
Thorns or prickles?	No
Attracts wildlife?	Birds Butterflies Butterfly Larvae
Larval host for:	spring azure	Provincial tree/flower?
Plant Watch species?	No

Besides white, sometimes the flowers are light pink.

Recommended for cottage gardens along stream or lake edges. (Kemper Center for Gardening)

An infusion of the leaves tastes like China tea. An infusion of the leaves is esteemed as a restorative tonic. (Coffey. T.)

This species is deer resistant. (Evergreen)

Kemper Center for Home Gardeni

National Audubon Society: Field Guide to North American Butterflies
National Audubon Society
Alfred A. Knopf, New York
1981
ISBN: 0-394-51914-0

Wetland Plants of Ontario
Steven Newmaster, Allan Harris and Linda Kershaw
Lone Pine Publishing
1997
ISBN: 1-55105-059-5

Shrubs of Ontario
Soper, J.H. and M.L. Heimburger
ROM
1982
ISBN 0-88854-283-6

Wildflowers of Algonquin Provincial Park
Dan Strickland and John LeVay
The Friends of Algonquin Park
1993
0-921709-90-0

York University Greenroof project; Gavin Miller; 2004-2005

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