Spiraea japonica

This plant is problematic and alternatives should be considered. 

Japanese spiraea is a deciduous, perennial shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae) that escapes and naturalizes in North Carolina. It is native to Japan and China. 

It grows in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, alkaline soil, typically reaching 4 to 6 feet high and wide. It is a rapid grower and can be an aggressive self-seeder. It has escaped gardens and naturalized in many areas of the eastern United States. It also reproduces by stem cuttings or suckering, creating a dense thicket of thin wiry stems that will displace other plants. Unlike some other species of spiraea, this plant may be damaged by deer.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: It is listed as invasive in Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and others including the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is classified as an invasive species by the NC Invasive Plant Council. Consider planting native alternatives found in the left-hand column. Spiraeas are susceptible to many of the diseases and insects that attack other rose family members, including leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.