Reeves spiraea, Hemp-leaved spiraea, Mayflower
Spiraea cantoniensis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1-2 m high. The small branches are brown. The leaves are almost round and 2-3 cm long and wide. There are teeth along the edge. The leaves often have 3 lobes. They are bluish-green underneath. The flowers are white. There are in a dense group on short branches.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to China. It grows between 200-300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China (country/location of origin), Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, South America, Tasmania, Trinidad-Tobago, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young shoots with flower buds are dried for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Spiraea reevesiana Lindley;