White meadowsweet
Spiraea alba

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It forms clumps. They grow in groups. It grows 1-2 m tall. The leaves are alternate and 8 cm long by 2 cm wide. They are narrowly oval and have sharp teeth along the edge. Leaves are pale green underneath. The flowers are 6 mm across and have 5 white petals. There are 20 or more stamens.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in swamps and marshes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Europe, North America, Slovenia, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves can be used in soup. They are also used to make tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bela medvejka

Synonyms

Spiraea latifolia (Aiton) Borkh.; Spiraea salicifolia var. latifolia Aiton; and others