Hardhack Steeplebush

(Spiraea douglasii)

Hardhack Steeplebush (Spiraea douglasii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Spiraea douglasii, commonly known as Hardhack Steeplebush, is a deciduous shrub native to wet meadows, stream banks, and moist forest clearings in the Pacific Northwest, including the Western United States and British Columbia. It typically grows 3–6 feet (0.91–1.83 m) tall from rhizomes, forming dense thickets that are valuable for erosion control and wildlife habitat. The plant features large clusters of small, deep pink flowers that form showy spires in early summer, which later turn dark and persist into fall, providing visual interest even after blooming. The seeds are 0.08 inches (2.0 mm) long, aiding in its spread by animals and strong winds. The leaves are 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm) long, toothed toward the tips, alternately arranged, and have whitish undersides with prominent veins.

Hardhack Steeplebush is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive flowers and ability to form dense stands, making it suitable for use in landscaping, particularly in wet areas and for riparian revegetation projects. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist soils but can tolerate drier conditions once established. It is relatively low maintenance, but gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively through its rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 4-6 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet meadows, stream banks, and moist forest clearings in the Pacific Northwest

Other Names

Common Names: Rose Spirea, Douglas’ Spirea, Rævehale-Spiræa, Douglas-Spierstrauch, Punapajuangervo, Spirée De Douglas, Douglasspirea

Scientific Names: , Spiraea douglasii, Spiraea douglasii f. douglasii, Spiraea douglasii f. alba, Drimopogon douglasii, Drimopogon menziesii, Spiraea douglasii f. pseudosalicifolia, Spiraea fortunei var. subpaniculata,

GBIF Accepted Name: Spiraea douglasii Hook.