Spiraea alba - White Meadowsweet

A great native alternative to the common landscaping plant Japanese Spirea, with lovely large clusters of white flowers on a 4ft green-leaved shrub. Spiraea alba is a deciduous shrub with cone-shaped clusters of tiny, white flowers that bloom in the summer.   It also has fruits which mature in September and disperse in a similar way to milkweed.  Effective in wet areas along streams or ponds and with regular watering, in a border or cottage garden. "The Greek word speria meaning wreath in reference to the showy flower clusters seen on most shrubs in the genus."  Missouri Botanical Garden Height:  3 to 4ft Sun:  Full sun to part shade Water:  Medium to wet Bloom Color:   White Bloom Time:  June to August