Practical
Plants

Spiraea prunifolia

Bridalwreath Spiraea

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Spiraea
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
2.5 m
Spread
2.5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

Young leaves - cooked[1][4].

Plant part
Leaves

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The plant is emetic[8]. It is used in the treatment of malaria and fever[8].

Product or use
Emetic

Environment

Range
E. Asia - E. China, Korea, Taiwan.
Habitat
Sunny hillsides to 1500 metres[6]. Stony and barren places in C. and S. Korea[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 4+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if possible. It is likely to require stratification before it germinates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as you receive it. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a light sandy soil a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, October/November in an outdoor frame[7]. Another report says that September is a good time to do this[2]. Division of suckers in early spring[7]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.

Cultivation

Tolerates most soils[7], but prefers a good loamy soil, abundant moisture and full sunlight[2][7]. Hardy to about -20°c[6]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[2]. 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[5]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[7].

References

  1. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Wilson. E. H. and Trollope. M. N. Corean Flora. Royal Asiatic Society 1918-00-00

    ↩

  4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  5. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩

  6. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  8. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2

Edit this page