Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Rosaceae

Genus:

Spiraea

Species:

Spiraea thunbergii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

4-6 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

white

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Canada: Ontario

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to open woodlands and slopes