Meadowsweet spirea is an upright shrub that grows to a maximum height of 4 feet. It requires full sun to partial shade and medium to wet moisture conditions. From June to August it produces showy white flowers that attract butterflies. This native has been extensively planted at the Chicago Botanic Garden and can be found along many of the shorelines.

The genus Spiraea consists of small to medium sized flowering shrubs with a fine-textured twiggy mounding habit. The small simple leaves are generally lance-shaped and held close to the branch. Spring to early summer abundant blooms tend to be in white or pink tones, depending on the species and/or cultivar. While individual flowers are quite small, they occur in clusters of inflorescence that can be very showy.

Spireas are best used in groupings in a shrub or mixed border, where they are valued as tough, reliable and easy-care performers in northern climates. The Chicago Botanic Garden's collection includes nearly 100 varieties and 3,000 plants.