Family: Rosaceae
hard-hack, steeplebush
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Matthew L. Wagner
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Spiraea: ancient Greek word for "a wreath spiraled or twisted" for the twisted seed pod of some of these species
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'- 3 1/2' tall shrub
Leaves: alternate, not divided or lobed, oblong to lance-like, whitish-orange fuzz beneath, edges with fine, sharp teeth
Flowers: pink, 5-parted, 1/8" wide; inflorescence a 5" terminal, branched panicle-like cluster; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: woolly, pod-like with several seeds
Habitat: full to partial sun; moist; meadows, streambanks, bogs; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'- 3 1/2' tall shrub
Leaves: alternate, not divided or lobed, oblong to lance-like, whitish-orange fuzz beneath, edges with fine, sharp teeth
Flowers: pink, 5-parted, 1/8" wide; inflorescence a 5" terminal, branched panicle-like cluster; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: woolly, pod-like with several seeds
Habitat: full to partial sun; moist; meadows, streambanks, bogs; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FACW Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Shrubs: Photos, descriptions, information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Matthew L. Wagner
Robert Bierman
Botanical Illustration
Eric J. Epstein
