Spiraea splendens is a shrub of the rose family (Rosaceae) native to the western mountains of North America, from California to British Columbia, commonly known as dense-flowered spiraea, rose meadowsweet,[1] rosy spiraea, subalpine spiraea,[1] and mountain spiraea.[2] [3] It is commonly found at elevations between 2000feet and 11000feet on inland mountain ranges.[2] The plant is adapted to cold, moist, rocky slopes, subalpine forests and meadows.[2]
It is a woody shrub rarely reaching a meter in height. It has light green toothed leaves which turn yellow as cold weather approaches. The plant bears fragrant, fuzzy pom-poms of bright rosy pink flowers in the summer. The fruit is a tiny dry pod, no more than one eighth of an inch in length.
Native Americans made a tea-like drink from the leaves.[4]
Book: Casebeer, M. . 2004 . Discover California Shrubs . Sonora, California . Hooker Press . 0-9665463-1-8.