Meadowsweet

(Filipendula ulmaria)

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Filipendula ulmaria, commonly known as Meadowsweet, is a deciduous perennial herb native to riparian zones, damp meadows, and the edges of freshwater marshes in Europe, Central Asia, and Siberia. It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). Meadowsweet features clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are usually creamy white, sometimes with a hint of pink, blooming in the summer. The flowers are quite showy and attract a variety of pollinators.

Meadowsweet is valued for its ornamental flowers, pleasant fragrance, and ease of maintenance. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, cottage gardens, and as a component of herbal borders. The plant thrives in moist, humus-rich soils and can tolerate standing water, making it suitable for rain gardens and waterside plantings. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistent moisture to flourish. Meadowsweet has a history of medicinal use, with its parts containing salicylic acid, the compound from which aspirin was originally synthesized. However, it can be potentially invasive outside its native range, spreading aggressively in suitable conditions, so gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Standing, Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to riparian zones, damp meadows, and the edges of freshwater marshes

Other Names

Common Names: Queen Of The Meadow, Mead Wort, Elm Queen-Of-The-Meadow, Pride Of The Meadow, Meadow-Wort, Meadow Queen, Lady Of The Meadow, Dollof, Meadsweet, Bridewort

Scientific Names: , Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria, Filipendula denudata, Spiraea quinqueloba, Filipendula ulmaria var. glauca, Spiraea ulmaria var. denudata, Spiraea ulmaria var. discolor, Ulmaria pentapetala, Filipendula megalocarpa

GBIF Accepted Name: Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.