Spiraea douglasii
Photo at right of the flower spike of Western Spiraea.
Rose Family
Hardhack occurs in stream banks, ditches, swamps, bogs, and along lake and stream edges.
1. Hardhack is a deciduous shrub to 6 feet tall.
2. The leaves are long and thinnly ovate, with toothed edges from mid-leaf to the tip. The upper leaf is also darker than the light underside.
3. The leaves alternate along the stem.
4. The flowers are small, pink, with 5 petals and many stamens. They are found in a compact spike that is two to six inches in length (See photo).
1. Hardhack is an important source of shelter for many wetland animals.
2. The bark contains aspirin.