Spiraea prunifolia

Siebold. & Zucc.

Plum-leaved Spiraea

Rosaceae Edible: Leaves 5,248 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Spiraea prunifolia, commonly called bridalwreath spirea, is a species of the genus Spiraea, sometimes also spelled Spirea. It flowers mid-spring, around May 5, and is native to Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. It is sometimes cultivated as a garden plant elsewhere.

Description

A small shrub or rounded bush. It grows 2 m high and spreads 2 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are egg shaped and have very small teeth. The leaves turn reddish-orange in autumn. The flowers are white and double. They are in clusters.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be cooked and eaten.

Traditional Uses

CAUTION: Because the leaves contain hydrocyanic acid they should be cooked.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The plant is emetic and is used in the treatment of malaria and fever.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 4-10. Arboretum Tasmania. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Tolerates most soils, but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight. Hardy to about -20°c. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Flowers are produced on the previous seasons growth and any pruning is best done immediately after flowering in order to promote new growth and plenty of flowers in the following year. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame where possible. Stratification is likely required before germination, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as received. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame for the first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Take half-ripe cuttings in July/August in a light sandy soil in a frame. Take cuttings of mature wood from the current season's growth, 15cm long, in October/November in an outdoor frame (September has also been reported as suitable). Divide suckers in early spring and plant directly into permanent positions.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 70-100 Spiraea species.

Also Known As

Bridalwreath spiraea, Liye Xiuxianju, Laughing face flower, Shoe button Spirea

References (7)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 594
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1364
Fl. jap. 1:131, t. 70. 1840
Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 264

Show all 7 references

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Valder, P., 1999, The Garden Plants of China. Florilegium. p 333