Spiraea douglasii, commonly called western spirea, steeple bush or hardhack, is a deciduous, clump-forming shrub that will spread by suckers to form colonies over time. It typically grows 4-6’ tall. It is native from Alaska to northern California and Montana where it is often found growing in moist soils of marshes, swamps, bogs, damp meadows and along streams. Oval green leaves (to 4” long) are felty white-tomentose beneath. Terminal clusters (to 8” long) of rose-pink flowers appear in summer. Flowers turn brown as they fade.
Part of the Butterfly Bed & Breakfast Project.
