Rose Meadowsweet, Rosy Spiraea, Subalpine Spiraea: Spiraea splendens (Synonyms: Spiraea densiflora, Spiraea densiflora var. densiflora, Spiraea densiflora ssp. densiflora, Spiraea densiflora ssp. splendens, Spiraea densiflora var. splendens, Spiraea splendens var. rosea, Spiraea splendens var. splendens)

The photo at left shows subalpine spiraea as seen along the South Fork Spring Creek at Keenes Horse Camp on the north side of Mt. Adams........July 11, 2005. The photo at right shows subalpine spiraea in bloom along the upper portion of West Fork Morrison Creek where the Shorthorn Trail #16 crosses the creek, Mount Adams Wilderness......July 7, 2021.

Subalpine spiraea is an attractive, low growing shrub suitable for use in the woodland garden. Its spreading or erect branches are freely branched, and the shrub ranges from 50-100 cm high. The bark is an attractive reddish- or purplish-brown. The stems may be smooth surfaced or thickly haired The lower leaf surfaces and the inflorescence are likewise hairy. The leaves are pinnately simple, and they are alternate on the stems. They are ovate-oval or oblong-elliptic, and range from 2-4 cm long. The upper surface is bright green while the lower surfaces are lighter and strongly veined. The blades are finely toothed for at least half their length.

The inflorescence is a nearly flat-topped or rounded corymb from 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are tiny, with 5 pinkish petals. The petals are oval to narrowly obovate, and range from 1.5-2 mm long.

Subalpine spiraea is found from 2000'-11,000' in mountainous regions. It is usually found along streams, lakes, in montane meadows, or in wooded or rocky slopes.

Subalpine spiraea is found from British Columbia south through the Cascade Mts. and Olympic Mts. to northwestern and Sierran California. It is found eastward to southeastern British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, and eastern Oregon.

The photo at left shows subalpine spiraea as seen along the Pacific Crest Trail in moist meadows about one-half mile west of the junction with the Stagman Ridge Trail #12 in the Mt. Adams Wilderness..........September 13, 2008. The photo at right shows subalpine spiraea blooming along the Killen Creek Trail #113, Mount Adams Wilderness.....August 4, 2022.

Rose meadowsweet in bloom at left along the Round the Mountain Trail #9 between the Bird Creek Meadows trailhead and Bird Creek Meadows Picnic Area, Yakama Nation lands on the southeastern slopes of Mount Adams.....July 26, 2023. The image at right shows rose meadowsweet blooming with several pollinating bumblebees on the inflorescence along the Shorthorn Trail #16, Mount Adams Wilderness......July 22, 2024.

The photo at left shows subalpine spiraea as seen along the Pacific Crest Trail in moist meadows about one-half mile west of the junction with the Stagman Ridge Trail #12 in the Mt. Adams Wilderness...........September 13, 2008. The photo at right shows subalpine spiraea in bloom along the Shorthorn Trail #12, Mt. Adams Wilderness.......July 10, 2020.