False Spiraea

(Sorbaria sorbifolia)

False Spiraea (Sorbaria sorbifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sorbaria sorbifolia, commonly known as False Spiraea, is a deciduous shrub native to temperate and boreal forests, riverbanks, and mountain slopes in East Asia, including regions of China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East. It typically grows to a height of 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) with a similar spread, and features pinnate leaves with numerous toothed leaflets that resemble ferns or sumac. The foliage may turn reddish in autumn, adding seasonal interest before leaf drop. From July to August, it produces showy, dense panicles of small white flowers at the branch tips, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

False Spiraea is valued for its fern-like foliage and showy flowers, making it a popular choice for mixed borders and woodland gardens. The compact cultivar ‘Sem’ is particularly noted for its multicolored leaves and more erect flower panicles, earning it the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can spread aggressively by suckering, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting to prevent ecological disruption.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 5-10 feet
  • Width: 5-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Temperate and boreal forests, riverbanks, and mountain slopes in East Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Sorbaria, Ural False Spiraea, Ash-Leaved Spiraea, Giant False Spiraea, Tusindtop, Almindelig Tusindtop, Viitapihlaja-Angervo, Sorbaire, Sorbaire À Feuilles De Sorbier, Sorbaria À Feuilles De Sorbier

Scientific Names: , Sorbaria sorbifolia, Spiraea sorbifolia, Basilima sorbifolia, Sorbaria sorbifolia var. sorbifolia, Sorbaria stellipila var. typica, Spiraea pinnata, Spiraea floribunda, Schizonotus sorbifolia, Schizonotus sorbifolius

GBIF Accepted Name: Sorbaria sorbifolia (L.) A.Braun