Scientific Name
Spiraea
Common Name
spiraea

Characteristics

ID hints
"Reeves spiraea" (Spiraea cantonensis)
Leaves toothed, at least above middle
- 3-veined near blade base **
- Pale/whitish below in group 2
Group 1 - Early spring, white flowers
"babys breath" (Spiraea thunbergii)
Flowers 1-3,axillary just before leaves
"bridal wreath" (Spiraea prunifolia)
Flowers double *
- petaloid stamens
- Stamens persist, fade dull yellow
Group 2 - Mid/late spring, white flowers
"Vanhoutte spiraea" (Spiraea X vanhouttei)
Inflorescence terminal on pins
- Shape is flatten hemisphere
- Borne after leaves appear
Group 3 - Summer, rose to pink flowers
"Bumald spiraea" (Spiraea X bumalda)
Broad, terminal, flat inflorescence
- Numerous flowered
- Often persists dried through winter

"Reeves spiraea"

"Reeves spiraea"

"baby's breath"

"baby's breath"

"bridal wreath"

"bridal wreath"

"Vanhoutte spiraea"

"Vanhoutte spiraea"

"Vanhoutte spiraea"

"Bumald spiraea"

"Bumald spiraea"

4-H Horticulture Contest, Dr. Alice B. Russell, Dr. Paul R. Fantz, and Larry Bass, Department of Horticultural Science, NC Cooperative Extension Service, NC State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell. Computer programming by Miguel A. Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.

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