Bridalwreath Spirea

Bridalwreath Spirea

Spiraea prunifolia

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

▲ mature shrub in summer

▲ summer foliage

▲ ▼ 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, 1/2 as wide, with tiny marginal teeth with short petiole; shiny dark green above, slightly hairy underneath
stems brown, shiny, slender, zig-zag
tiny white, double, rose-like flowers about 1/4" 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
arching branch growth habit, gangly other times--grows 4-8’ tall and wide
prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils; benefits from regular old-limb removal