Spiraea tomentosa Hardhack, Steeplebush PFAF Plant Database

Translate this page:

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Spiraea tomentosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Spiraea tomentosa var. rosea. Spiraea tomentosa var. tomentosa

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Birthing aid Diuretic Dysentery Tonic

The flowers give feebly the medicinal action of salicylic acid (aspirin) and are used in decoction for their diuretic and tonic effect[4]. An infusion of the flowers is used as an astringent[207]. An infusion of the leaves can be used in the treatment of dysentery[257]. An infusion of the flowers and the leaves has been used to counteract the sickness of pregnancy and also to facilitate childbirth[257]. The roots are astringent and have been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[4, 207]. An infusion of the leaves is also used[4, 213].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Tolerates most soils[200], but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight[11, 200]. A vigorous plant, spreading by subterranean suckers and forming thickets[200]. Closely related to S. douglasii[11]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[11].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if possible. It is likely to require stratification before it germinates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as you receive it. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a light sandy soil a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, October/November in an outdoor frame[200]. Another report says that September is a good time to do this[11]. Division of suckers in early spring[200]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba), United States (Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Holodiscus dumosus	Rock Spiraea	Shrub	4.5	4-8		LMH	SN	DM	1	1
Sorbaria sorbifolia	false spiraea	Shrub	1.8	2-7	F	LMH	SN	M	1	0
Spiraea alba	White Meadowsweet	Shrub	1.5	5-9		LMH	SN	M	1	1
Spiraea betulifolia aemiliana		Shrub	0.3	4-8		LMH	N	M	1	0
Spiraea blumei		Shrub	1.5	5-9		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Spiraea canescens		Shrub	3.0	4-8		LMH	SN	M	0	0	2
Spiraea douglasii	Steeplebush, Rose spirea, Menzies' spirea	Shrub	2.5	4-8		LMH	SN	M	0	1	1
Spiraea henryi		Shrub	3.0	5-9		LMH	N	M	1	0
Spiraea hirsuta		Shrub	1.5	-		LMH	N	M	1	0
Spiraea japonica	Japanese Spiraea, Japanese meadowsweet	Shrub	1.5	4-8		LMH	SN	M	0	0	3
Spiraea nervosa angustifolia		Shrub	1.5	5-9		LMH	N	M	1	0
Spiraea prunifolia	Bridalwreath Spiraea	Shrub	2.5	4-8	M	LMH	SN	M	1	1
Spiraea pyramidata	Spirea	Shrub	1.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	1	1
Spiraea salicifolia	Bridewort, Willowleaf meadowsweet	Shrub	1.8	4-8		LMH	SN	M	1	1	1
Spiraea thunbergii	Thunberg's meadowsweet, Thunberg Spirea	Shrub	1.5	4-8	M	LMH	SN	M	0	0	3
Spiraea x arguta	Garland Spiraea	Shrub	2.5	4-8		LMH	SN	M	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Support Plants For A Future

Plants For A Future relies on regular donations to keep our free database and search facilities going, to pay for ongoing research, improvements and enhancements, and to develop and publish new books. Read more

Choose Currency

Donate in £ GBP Donate in $ USD Donate in € EUR

Securely pay via PayPal or Credit/Debit Card without an account.

Expert comment

Author

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Spiraea tomentosa - L.