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Shinyleaf Spirea

Spiraea lucida

Last reviewed: October 2026

Shinyleaf Spirea (Spiraea lucida)
Photo: (c) Whitney Brook Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Shinyleaf Spirea (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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Shinyleaf Spirea.

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.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Shinyleaf Spirea 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 Spirea need?
Shinyleaf Spirea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shinyleaf Spirea bloom?
Shinyleaf Spirea blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Shinyleaf Spirea native?
Shinyleaf Spirea (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 Spirea attract?
Shinyleaf Spirea draws bees and butterflies.
Is Shinyleaf Spirea HOA-friendly?
Shinyleaf Spirea 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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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