Elm-leaf spiraea
Spiraea latifolia
Last reviewed: October 2026
Elm-leaf spiraea (Spiraea latifolia) is a perennial shrub native to CT, DE, IL, MA and 12 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown
Elm-leaf spiraea (Spiraea latifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CT, DE, IL, MA and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
An upright, twiggy shrub with toothed leaves and dense, pyramidal clusters of small white to pale pink flowers in summer, spreading gradually by suckers to form loose thickets in damp meadows.
Growing Elm-leaf spiraea
Grow Elm-leaf spiraea in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Summer flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for a wide range of native bees and other pollinating insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Elm-leaf spiraea need?
- Elm-leaf spiraea grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Elm-leaf spiraea bloom?
- Elm-leaf spiraea blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Elm-leaf spiraea native?
- Elm-leaf spiraea (Spiraea latifolia) is native to CT, DE, IL, MA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Elm-leaf spiraea attract?
- Elm-leaf spiraea draws bees and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Elm-leaf spiraea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
