Meadowsweet
Spiraea alba

Distinguishing Features

Meadowsweet is considered a shrub rather than a wildflower and it tends to grow in colonies. When in bloom it is very easy to identify. Meadowsweet is a large, clump-forming, upright perennial that typically grows relatively tall.

Flowers

Each flower is about 1/4" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, 5 light green pistils, and numerous stamens (20 or more). The petals are much longer than the sepals, while the filaments of the stamens are much longer than the styles of the pistils. Where the nectaries of each flower are located, there is a narrow ring-like structure that surrounds the 5 pistils in the center of the flower; this floral structure is pink, orange, or yellow. It flowers mid- to late summer.

Leaves

Meadowsweet leaves are alternate (up to 3" long and 3/4" across) and occur along the young branches. The leaves are narrowly ovate, sharply serrated, pinnately veined, and glabrous (rarely sparsely hairy underneath); they have short petioles. The upper side of each leaf is medium green, while its lower side is pale green. The branches terminate in panicles of flowers.

Height

This plant can reach heights to anywhere between 1 to 2 metres (3 - 6 feet).

Habitat

Meadowsweet is typically found in swamps, marshes, fens, wet woods, or by lakes and rivers. It grows throughout North America, Europe, and in many areas of Asia.

Edible Parts

Young leaves are edible but are commonly used in soups and to make tea.

Other Name

White Meadowsweet.

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