Minnesota Wildflowers


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Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush)

Plant Info
Also known as: Hardhack
Genus:Spiraea
Family:Rosaceae (Rose)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:sun; wet meadows, bogs, along shores
Bloom season:July - September
Plant height:2 to 4 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals panicle spike

[photo of flowers] Flowers are in spike-like clusters at the top of the plant, blooming from the top of the plant down. Individual flowers are light to deep pink, about ¼ inch across, with 5 petals and numerous long pink stamens.

Leaves and stem: alternate simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are generally oval, to 2½ inches long and 1 inch wide, coarsely toothed, with a blunt point at the tip and a short leaf stem. The surface is dark green and the underside is silvery with dense, matted hairs. Attachment is alternate. The main stem is woody and brown; first year stems are densely covered in matted hairs and velvety to the touch. One plant usually has multiple stems, looking like a cluster of plants.

Notes:

Steeplebush is classified as a shrub rather than a wildflower (forb). It tends to grow in colonies. It resembles Meadowsweet, but it has white flowers. Steeplebush is pretty easy to identify when in bloom.

Where to buy native seed and plants

Help support this site by buying seeds & plants from these vendors. Tell them we sent you!

  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds
  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park, Shoreview, MN August 2008

Comments

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