Willowleaf Meadowsweet Spiraea salicifolia

The name Spiraea is derived from the Greek speira, meaning twisting which refers to the fruits that appear as if they are twisted.  First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, Spiraea salicifolia or Willowleaf Meadowsweet is a deciduous shrub in the rose family.

It's commonly found in wet boggy areas, stream beds, river valleys or woodlands. It can adapt to most soil conditions, however prefers to be located in full sunlight in moist and loamy soil. It is native to Asia and parts of Europe. In the US, it can be found in the lower 48 states, but it is more likely to be observed naturalized in Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia and Vermont.

Spreading by suckers, it can form a dense thicket.  These thickets can cause individual plants to become less hardy.  Dividing on a regular basis will help keep the plants at their best.  Its dense habitat is used for stabilization projects along rivers and lakes.  

When in bloom, the rose-tinted white flowers produced on panicles create a dense, showy picture.

Its vitamin C rich young leaves can be cooked and eaten.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious disease or insect issues.  Aphids and cicada caterpillar are occasional visitors. 

Fungi may be an issue in locations with poor ventilation.  

Soil containing lime can decrease the level of chlorophyll, causing the leaves to yellow.