Meadowsweet
Spiraea tomentosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Spiraea tomentosa (Meadowsweet) is a native deciduous shrub found across eastern and central United States that produces fuzzy pink flower spikes from June through August, attracting bees and butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Meadowsweet as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Meadowsweet is a compact native shrub that produces fuzzy pink flower spikes from June through August. This well-behaved plant forms neat clumps and works well in mixed borders or foundation plantings.
Growing Meadowsweet
Grow Meadowsweet in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Meadowsweet is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Winter appearance is bare stems only
Wildlife value
The long-blooming flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the summer months. Its dense growth habit also provides good nesting sites for small birds.
Common questions
- When does Spiraea tomentosa bloom?
- Spiraea tomentosa blooms from June through August, producing distinctive pink, fuzzy flower spikes.
- What pollinators visit Meadowsweet?
- Meadowsweet attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and moths with its summer blooms.
- Where is Spiraea tomentosa native?
- Spiraea tomentosa is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota and Kansas.
- What growing conditions does Meadowsweet prefer?
- Meadowsweet tolerates a wide range of conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.
- Is Meadowsweet toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Meadowsweet as toxic to livestock.
- Is Meadowsweet HOA-friendly?
- Meadowsweet is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow 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