Audubon Native Meadow Sweet Spirea and native birds
Native Meadow Sweet Spirea
Native Regions map for Meadow Sweet Spirea
Red-Winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
White Crowned Sparrow
Audubon Native Meadow Sweet Spirea and native birds
Native Meadow Sweet Spirea
Native Regions map for Meadow Sweet Spirea
Red-Winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
White Crowned Sparrow

Audubon® Native Meadow Sweet Spirea

Bower & Branch Trees and Plants

Audubon® Plants for Birds: Spiraea alba (latifolia)

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This plant is not available at this time through Bower & Branch. We provide this plant profile for reference only. 

See below for alternative selections for purchase and inspiration!

FEATURES:

  • May Benefit & Attract: Sparrows, Red-wing Blackbirds, and finches
  • The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
  • This bird-friendly native trees provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
  • All Audubon® branded trees are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
  • Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower

 

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Growth Facts

  • Hardiness Zone: 3-8
  • Mature Height: 3-6' tall
  • Mature Width: 3-6' wide
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Spacing: 3-6' apart

Why plant Audubon® Native Meadow Sweet Spirea?

With warm summer days come the cool white spikes of Meadowsweet Spirea. This worthy native brings beauty and life to wild spaces and natural gardens all over the Northeast and Upper Midwest. The fragrant flowers attract a diverse array of pollinators, and the foliage feeds a variety of moth and butterfly larvae. Birds bob among the branches in search of caterpillar meals, and many find safety in the cover of Meadowsweet’s twiggy branches. Indigo Buntings, goldfinches, Song Sparrows, Field Sparrows, and Redwing Blackbirds have been known to build a nest and raise a family there.

In some areas, Meadowsweet Spirea, along with its close relative, Steeplebush, can supply suitable food to up to one hundred different species of moth and butterfly caterpillars. Some of these can only feed on Spireas, just as the monarch butterfly can only feed on Milkweeds. Some of the more remarkable insects that Meadowsweet supports include the beloved woolly bear caterpillar (which becomes the Isabella tiger moth), the spring azure butterfly, and the sharp-lined yellow moth, which mimics a yellow leaf. The apple sphinx, a type of hawk moth, also feeds on Spireas. Hawk moths are notable for being the second-fastest flying insect in the world (after dragonflies).

How to use Audubon® Native Meadow Sweet Spirea in the landscape?

Meadowsweet Spirea’s blossoms offer both nectar and pollen, and they draw in a multitude of pollinators. You may see honey bees, bumblebees, miner bees, masked bees, and sweat bees visiting them, along with butterflies, hoverflies, beneficial wasps, and beetles.

Planting Zones

Hardiness Zone: 3-8

How To Plant Audubon® Native Meadow Sweet Spirea

Meadowsweet Spirea is native to wetland areas; likewise, in the landscape it grows most luxuriantly in constantly damp soil. However, this tough plant is surprisingly adaptable, and once established it can handle a fair amount of dryness. Plant it in full sun or light shade. This fast-growing Accent expands steadily via suckers; do not site it near small, delicate plants. Pruning can be accomplished at any time. If Meadowsweet gets unruly or overgrown, you can simply cut it to the ground in early spring, and it will rejuvenate itself quickly.

How To Fertilize

Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.


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