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Vick, Albert F. W.
Spiraea tomentosa L.
Steeplebush
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
USDA Symbol: SPTO2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
This mound-shaped, deciduous shrub forms a thicket of erect, slender, wand-like, unbranched stems, 3-6 ft. tall. Dense, erect, plumes of pink to rose-purple flowers occur terminally. The orange to reddish-brown bark is exfoliating and the fall foliage is yellow. An erect shrub with dense, steeple-shaped, branched clusters of pink flowers.
A similar species, the pink-flowered Japanese Spiraea (S. japonica) from Asia, differs from Steeplebush in having flat-topped clusters of flowers and smooth leaves; since its introduction into North America, it has invaded a broad area, from Ontario and Michigan east to Maine and south to Georgia, Tennessee, and Illinois.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WA , WI , WVCanada: NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: N.S. & N.B. to Que. & e.c. MN, s. to NC, MS & AR
Native Habitat: Wet prairies & meadows; marshes; roadsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Wet, moderately acid, soils.
Conditions Comments: Steeplebush needs sun; it will dwindle in shade.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Intermediate.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Columbia silkmoth
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Spiraea tomentosa is a larval host and/or nectar source for:|
Columbia silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia)  Larval Host |
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings. Cuttings do not need a hormone treatment.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seeds require no special treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native shrub to replace non-native azaleas.
February 10, 2009
I want to replace my two dozen azaleas this spring (I think they're unattractive once the flowers fall off). I like the multiseason characteristics of weigela (midnight wine, W&R), but want to go na...
view the full question and answer
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
Bibliography
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Spiraea tomentosa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Spiraea tomentosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Spiraea tomentosa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-12-09Research By: TWC Staff
