The inflorescence of spiraea lucida is a dense, terminal cluster, around 4 inches in diameter, containing dozens of tiny white flowers, which may have a pinkish tint. Flowers are about 0.2 inches wide, formed of five triangular green sepals, five round white petals and up to 25 white stamens, exserted well above the petals. All flower parts are usually hairless.
Stems are generally unbranched, and relatively tall, growing upwards to a height of around 3 feet. The large, oval, hairless leaves are attached by stalks up to half an inch long. They have a lighter-colored midvein and fainter, pinnate side veins. The upper half of each edge is marked with large and small teeth.
Common names:
Birch-leaved spiraea, white spiraea
Family:
Scientific name:
Spiraea lucida
Synonym:
Spiraea betulifolia
Main flower color:
Range:
The Pacific Northwest, the northern Rocky Mountans, and a small part of South Dakota
Height:
Up to 3 feet
Habitat:
Meadows, streambanks, open woodland, rocky slopes, from near sea level to 10,000 feet
Leaves:
Alternate, ovate to obovate, toothed, up to 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide
Season:
May to August
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