Spiraea splendens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spiraea splendens |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Spiraea
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| Species: |
splendens
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Spiraea splendens is a pretty shrub that belongs to the rose family. It grows naturally in the western mountains of North America. You can find it from California all the way up to British Columbia.
This plant has many common names. Some people call it dense-flowered spiraea. Others know it as rose meadowsweet, rosy spiraea, subalpine spiraea, or mountain spiraea.
Where Does This Shrub Grow?
This special shrub loves high places. It usually grows at elevations between 2,000 and 11,000 feet. That's like being high up in the mountains! You can find it in inland mountain ranges.
It is very good at living in tough spots. It likes cold, wet, and rocky slopes. You might also see it in subalpine forests and open meadows.
What Does Rosy Spiraea Look Like?
The rosy spiraea is a woody shrub. It usually does not grow taller than about one meter (which is about 3 feet). Its leaves are a light green color and have small teeth along their edges. When the weather gets cold, these leaves turn a lovely yellow.
In the summer, this plant shows off its beautiful flowers. They grow in fuzzy, round clusters that look like pom-poms. The flowers are a bright rosy pink color and smell very nice. After the flowers, the plant makes tiny, dry fruits. These are small pods, less than one eighth of an inch long.
How Was It Used?
Long ago, Native American people found a use for the leaves of this plant. They would make a drink from them. It was like a type of tea.
