How to identify Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)

How to identify Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)

Steeplebush, also known as Rosy Meadowsweet

Steeplebush displays as a dense, deciduous shrub typically reaching a height of around 4 feet (1.2 m) and often extends slightly wider. Its upright, multi-stemmed structure is notable, and the stems are clad with spirally arranged, ovate leaves that exhibit a fuzzy texture, hence the descriptor 'tomentosa.' In bloom, the plant showcases clusters of tiny, five-petaled pink flowers arranged in narrow, conical inflorescences that resemble steeples, giving it a distinctive appearance in its growing season.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Steeplebush

Dense, deciduous shrub reaching 4 feet (1.2 m) with multi-stemmed upright structure.

Leaves ovate, dark green, and fuzzy, with yellowish-brown hairs on the lower surface.

Clusters of tiny, five-petaled pink flowers in steeple-shaped inflorescences, blooming from July to September.

Fruit consists of small, ovoid brown follicles with short beaks, splitting open at maturity.

Stem terete and brown, covered in woolly brown hairs initially, later becoming hairless and woody.

Detailed Traits of Steeplebush

Leaf Features

The leaves of steeplebush are dark green and egg-shaped, ranging from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) long and up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) across. They feature coarse marginal teeth and are tapered at both ends. The upper surface is dark green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale and densely covered with yellowish-brown hairs. Leaves are abundant along the stem, showcasing their distinguishable texture and coloration.

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Flower Features

The flowers of steeplebush are characterized by rounded plumes of deep pink to rose-purple blooms arranged in dense, narrow, steeple-shaped terminal spikes, 4 to 8 inches long (10 to 20 cm). Each flower measures slightly less than 0.25 inches (6 mm) across, with 5 wrinkled, spreading petals, 5 pistils, and numerous prominent stamens. These blooms appear from July to September, opening from the top of the panicle downward, gradually turning brown. There is no noticeable scent.

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Stem Features

The stem of steeplebush is terete and brown, initially covered with woolly brown hairs that later become hairless and woody. It has a dense panicle of pink flowers, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, with short, ascending or spreading lateral branches. These branches are covered with short tawny hairs, giving the stem a distinctive texture. The central stem's thickness and branching pattern are key features for identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of steeplebush comprises small, brown follicles that are ovoid in shape with subtle, short beaks. These typically measure just a few millimeters in length. Each follicle contains several slender seeds and is designed to split open at its apex when mature, facilitating seed dispersal. These fruits are observable from September to October, transitioning to a dried texture as they age. The collection of follicles adorns the plant post-flowering and provides key visual cues for identification during the autumn months.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Steeplebush and Their Similar Plants

Japanese meadowsweet vs. Steeplebush: 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. Steeplebush: 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. Steeplebush: 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.

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

Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea cantoniensis) is a plant species native to China. Bridalwreath spirea is generally cultivated as an ornamental plant used on the borders of gardens. Spiraea cantoniensis is also known by the common names Bridalwreath spirea, Double White May, and Cape May.

Bridal wreath spirea vs. Steeplebush: 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. Steeplebush: 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.

Asian meadowsweet vs. Steeplebush: 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. Steeplebush: 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 Steeplebush

Attributes of Steeplebush

Spread

90 cm to 1.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Steeplebush

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Spirea

Species

Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)

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Distribution Map of Steeplebush

Steeplebush finds its native range within the temperate regions of North America. However, it has also been introduced to parts of northern and central Europe. In these regions, steeplebush is not typically found in the wild but is rather cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its appealing aesthetics.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Steeplebush

A Comprehensive Guide to Steeplebush How to Grow and Care for Steeplebush