Spiraea alba var. latifolia - White Meadowsweet

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones zones 3-8, 2-5' x 2-4', full sun to part shade, white to palest pink fragrant flowers bloom on new wood during the mid to late summer, prefers a consistently moist, acidic soil in a sunny position, but can be found in drier, part shade spots, too.

Common names: White Meadowsweet, Meadowsweet, Broadleaf Meadowsweet

Family: Rosaceae

Origin/Distribution: The native distribution is from Newfoundland west to northern Michigan and south to Long Island and down into the mountains of North Carolina. Native to Maine.

Habitat: Prefers a wet meadow, prairie, or ditch in a sunny spot, open ground near waterbodies, and moist slopes, but is also found in open woods or part shade edges with less moisture.

More: This is a shrub that blooms on new wood and takes well to pruning. Do this in the late winter prior to active growth. The foliage turns a lovely yellow in the fall and the cut branches and flowers are good bouquet additions. This plant is both a pollinator powerhouse and a larval host (more specific information coming soon). Most sources say deer and rabbit resistant. Great in a mixed hedge with other moisture loving species. Provides nesting habitat, erosion control, and grouse enjoy eating the buds. 

Source: New England Wetland Plants or sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed from both Toadshade Wildflower Farm and Prairie Moon Nursery

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons