Species › Plants › Steeplebush

Steeplebush

Spiraea tomentosa

CommonPlant
Illustration of Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)

Steeplebush is a native shrub of wet meadows and bog edges with rust-woolly undersides to its leaves and steeple-like spikes of deep pink flowers. It blooms from July through September and is an important late-season nectar source for native bees, wasps, and butterflies. Dense stands provide cover for marsh birds and small mammals.

Habitat
Wet meadows, bog edges, and moist fields in eastern and central North America
Diet
Late-season nectar for native bees, wasps, and butterflies
How common
Common

Best time to see a Steeplebush

The best time to see a Steeplebush is July–August, when about 76% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,778 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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