White spirea (Spiraea betulifolia, Fl. Ross. 1: 33 (1784))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Pall.

Bibliography: Fl. Ross. 1: 33 (1784)

Year: 1784

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spiraea

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Siberia to Korea and N. & C. Japan

Description

White spirea, known scientifically as Spiraea betulifolia, is a captivating deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. This ornamental plant is renowned for its delicate, frothy clusters of white flowers, which make it a beloved addition to gardens and landscapes.

Native to the expansive regions of Eastern Siberia, Korea, and Northern and Central Japan, white spirea thrives in a variety of climatic conditions. It is particularly noted for its hardiness, which allows it to flourish in colder environments where other plants might struggle. This resilience makes it a popular choice for gardeners in regions with harsh winters.

The shrub is not only noted for its visual appeal but also for its versatility in gardening designs. It can be used to create stunning hedges or serve as an accent plant within mixed borders. Its birch-like leaves provide additional textural interest, turning a lovely yellow in the fall and adding seasonal variety to the landscape.

White spirea was first documented in botanical literature in 1784, thanks to the work of Pall., as recorded in Volume 1 of “Flora Rossica” on page 33. This early recognition underscores the plant’s long-standing presence and the value placed on it by botanists and horticulturists.

Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice, incorporating white spirea into your garden can bring a touch of elegance and resilience, ensuring a splendid display across seasons.

Common Names

Deu: birkenblättriger spierstrauch
Swe: björkspirea
Lav: bērzlapu spireja
Eng: white spirea
Nno: bjørkebladspirea
Nob: bjørkebladspirea
En: White spirea, Shiny-Leaf Meadowsweet
De: Birkenblättriger Spierstrauch
Lv: Bērzlapu spireja
Nb: Bjørkebladspirea
Nn: Bjørkebladspirea
Sv: Björkspirea

Synonyms

• Spiraea betulifolia var. typica (Maxim.)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by maryl_1 lq (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Matěj Lošťák (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 6, 2022 by rostu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2021 by russ docksteader (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by voxferalis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Andrew Mallady (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Rolf Keller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 6, 2022 by rostu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3026550)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30000765-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spiraea betulifolia Pall.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 6.0