White Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Spiraea alba is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tastes like China tea. — An infusion of the leaves tastes like China tea.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist meadows, marshes, moist open low woodlands, often in sandy soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)