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Shinyleaf Meadowsweet

Spiraea lucida

Last reviewed: August 2026

Shinyleaf Meadowsweet (Spiraea lucida)
Photo: Franz Xaver / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Shinyleaf Meadowsweet (Spiraea lucida) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

ID, MT, ND, OR and 3 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Spiraea lucida is a compact native shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers from May through July. This low-maintenance plant forms a neat, rounded shape and adapts well to various soil conditions while providing excellent drought tolerance once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shinyleaf Meadowsweet is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • May appear sparse in winter without leaves

Wildlife value

The abundant white flower clusters attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. This native shrub provides important nectar sources during peak pollinator activity months.

Common questions

How much sun does Shinyleaf Meadowsweet need?
Shinyleaf Meadowsweet grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shinyleaf Meadowsweet bloom?
Shinyleaf Meadowsweet blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Shinyleaf Meadowsweet native?
Shinyleaf Meadowsweet (Spiraea lucida) is native to ID, MT, ND, OR and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Shinyleaf Meadowsweet attract?
Shinyleaf Meadowsweet draws bees and butterflies.
Is Shinyleaf Meadowsweet HOA-friendly?
Shinyleaf Meadowsweet is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Shinyleaf Meadowsweet? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz