Rosaceae
Rose Family
Spiraea alba Du Roi
- Stem: perennial; 3’ shrub with numerous stems from the same root crown; smooth, tan bark.
- Leaves: alternate; linear-oval with abrupt-rounded bases and pointed tips; 2” by 1/2”; leaf stalks 1/8” long, smooth; margins toothed; smooth above and below.
- Inflorescence: conic or columnar cluster of flowers on a branching flower stalk at the stem tip; 3” to 5” long.
- Flowers: petals white, 3/32” long on a floral cup 1/8” across; sepals triangular, 1/32” long; many stamens and five pistils; flowering from early July to mid-August.
- Fruits: five seedpods radiate from the center, 3/32” long; splitting on upper side to release the tiny seeds; fruiting begins in mid-July.
- Habitat: common on moist prairies; becoming very infrequent in the western and southern part of its range in Iowa.
- Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library
- Vascular Plants of Iowa
Can be found in these counties:
