Bridalwreath Spirea

Spiraea prunifolia

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

▲ mature shrub in summer

▲ summer foliage

▲▼ mature shrubs flowering in spring

▲▼ mature shrubs flowering in spring

▲ flowers

Location on or near campus: not known

Spirea prunifolia:  Bridlewreath Spirea

• *     leaves alternate, deciduous, simple, oval 1-2” long, ½ as wide, with tiny marginal teeth with short petiole; shiny dark green above, slightly hairy underneath
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• *     stems brown, shiny, slender, zig-zag
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• *    tiny white, double, rose-like flowers about ¼” diameter in clusters in axils of leaves before the leaves emerge in early spring (on previous-season’s growth)—only time the plant is really attractive
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• *    arching branch growth habit, gangly other times—grows 4-8’ tall and wide
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• *    prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils; benefits from regular old-limb removal