How to identify Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis)

How to identify Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis)

Bridalwreath spirea, also known as Double Bridal Wreath , Reeves' meadowsweet, Cape may

Bridalwreath spirea is characterized by its deciduous nature and perennial growth, forming a multi-stemmed shrub that can reach up to 6 feet (approximately 1.8 meters) in height. It showcases a distinctive twiggy, fountain-like shape, featuring arching branches. The plant is notable for its profuse, fluffy clusters of tiny, snow-white flowers that appear at the branch tips, resembling small pom-poms. These blossoms cover the plant in spring, creating a dense, frothy display.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bridalwreath spirea

Twiggy, fountain-like shape

Fluffy, snow-white pompom-like flowers

Dark blue-green leaves with conspicuous main veins

Upright stem with arching branches

Distinctive poly-follicle fruit with multiple seeds

Detailed Traits of Bridalwreath spirea

Leaf Features

The leaves of bridalwreath spirea are acute, cuneate, and incised serrate or irregularly 3-cleft. They are dark blue-green, glabrous above, glaucous beneath with 3-5 conspicuous main veins. Each leaf measures about 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.4 cm) in length. The texture above is smooth while the underside displays a bluish-gray hue, enhancing the visibility of the vein network critical for identification.

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Flower Features

The flowers of bridalwreath spirea are a 2-inch (5 cm) pompom-like cluster, forming a crowded hemispheric corymb. They are found at the branch terminus and reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The flowers are white to pinkish and measure approximately 1/3 inch (0.8 cm) in diameter. Each flower comprises 5 petals. These characteristics yield a striking and identifiable floral display, making recognition straightforward for enthusiasts.

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Stem Features

The stem of bridalwreath spirea is characterized by its upright growth with arching branches. Slender and glabrous, the stems exhibit a smooth texture without hair. Originating from the base, new stems frequently develop, contributing to the plant's dense structure. Averaging about 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter, the stems gracefully arch, forming elegant curves. The color is typically a light to medium green, making the arching branches a distinctive feature of this plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of bridalwreath spirea is a distinctive poly-follicle, comprising 3-5 carpidia, each containing multiple seeds. These carpidia encase the seeds securely until maturation, after which they may split open to release their contents for dissemination. The texture, color, and exact size of the carpidia are not specified, but the structure suggests a form that can be noticeable when observed closely. Recognizable by their multi-seeded composition, these fruiting bodies play an essential role in the reproductive cycle of bridalwreath spirea.

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Bridalwreath spirea and Their Similar Plants

Japanese meadowsweet vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

Japanese meadowsweet is considered by many to be an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly, creating a dense thicket or hedge. The species traces its roots to Japan, Korea, and China and was introduced in other areas because of its attractive flowers. Use caution when planting to make sure that this shrub can be managed appropriately.

White meadowsweet vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

White meadowsweet (Spiraea alba) is a perennial shrub that grows from 91 to 183 cm tall. Pyramidal clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers blossom from summer through fall attracting butterflies and birds. Brown fruit appears after blossoms fall off. Grows well in sunny or partly shady locations.

Baby's breath spirea vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

Baby's breath spirea (Spiraea thunbergii) is a deciduous flowering shrub native to Asia. Baby's breath spirea grows on hillsides of hills. This species grows best in full sunlight.

Bridal wreath spirea vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) is a flowering tree native to China Korea and Japan. Bridal wreath spirea is considered easy to grow and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. It blooms in spring.

Willowleaf meadowsweet vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

Willowleaf meadowsweet (Spiraea salicifolia) is a deciduous perennial shrub that will grow to 1.8 m tall. It is often found in bogs or wet woodlands. It has twiggy branches and small simple leaves. It prefers full sun to partial shade.

Steeplebush vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa) is a flowering plant species native to eastern North America. Steeplebush grows best in wet soil and full sunlight. This species is also commonly known as meadowsweet and hardhack.

Asian meadowsweet vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

Asian meadowsweet (Spiraea trilobata) is a hardy deciduous shrub that grows in a variety of soil types under full sun or partial shade. Its native range is central and eastern Asia, but its value as a garden plant has seen it spread throughout most of the world. Asian meadowsweet produces scores of small flowers that tend to attract butterflies.

Japanese meadowsweet 'Gold Mound' vs. Bridalwreath spirea: What's The Difference?

Japanese meadowsweet 'Gold Mound' has a mound-like shape and offers lovely gold-yellow foliage in spring, which turn yellow-green in summer and yellow-orange in fall. It is a cultivar of Japanese meadowsweet and is named for its appearance. Gardeners favor this cultivar as it is generally resistant to diseases and pests..

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Key Facts About Bridalwreath spirea

Attributes of Bridalwreath spirea

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

30 cm to 2 m

Spread

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Gold

Flower Size

2 mm to 4 mm

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Brown

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Scientific Classification of Bridalwreath spirea

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Spirea

Species

Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis)

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Distribution Map of Bridalwreath spirea

Although native to Asia, the bridalwreath spirea has been introduced to countries such as the United States, new Zealand, and Brazil. However, the bridalwreath spirea has environmental uses and can be used in gardens as a flowering tree. It is commonly found in bushes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Bridalwreath spirea How to Grow and Care for Bridalwreath spirea