Birchleaf Spirea

Spiraea lucida

Birchleaf spirea is a low, deciduous shrub native to open forests, meadows, and rocky slopes across western North America. Typically growing 1–3 feet tall, it forms dense mounds of rounded, birch-like leaves that turn shades of yellow to red in autumn. In late spring to summer, it produces flat-topped clusters of small white to pinkish flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Ecologically, S. betulifolia provides nectar and pollen for insects, contributes to understory diversity, and offers fire-resistant groundcover that helps stabilize soils in upland and montane habitats. Its compact size and ornamental flowers also make it well-suited for restoration and landscaping projects.