Spiraea splendens

Shrubs, 2–10 dm. Stems spreading to ascending, branched. Leaves: petiole 1–4 mm; blade ovate to elliptic, 1–4 × 1–2(–3) cm, chartaceous, base usually obtuse, sometimes acute, margins crenate to serrate distally from middle, venation pinnate craspedodromous, secondary veins prominent, apex usually obtuse, sometimes acute, abaxial surface glabrous or puberulent, adaxial glabrous. Inflorescences mostly terminal, corymbiform or hemispheric panicles, 100–1000+-flowered, 2–4 × 2–4 cm height 0.8–1 times diam.; branches glabrous or puberulent. Pedicels 1–3(–5) mm, glabrous or puberulent. Flowers 2–4 mm diam.; hypanthia hemispheric, 0.5–1.1 mm, abaxial surface glabrous or pubescent, adaxial pubescent; sepals triangular, 0.8–1 mm; petals light to dark pink, ovate to obovate, 1–2.5 mm, veins prominent; staminodes 5–10, reduced, fused, appearing as scalloped ring; stamens 35–40, 2 times petal length. Follicles oblanceoloid, 2–3 mm, shiny, glabrous, adaxial suture sparsely ciliate.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

w North America.

Discussion

Varieties 2 (2 in the flora).

The name Spiraea densiflora Nuttall ex Rydberg subsp. splendens (É. N. Baumann ex K. Koch) Abrams, which pertains here, is incorrect in relation to the priority of S. splendens (1875) over S. densiflora, which is an illegitimate name with no priority.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Spiraea splendens var. rosea, Spiraea splendens var. splendens

Key

1	Young stems, leaf abaxial surfaces, and pedicels and bracteoles glabrous or glabrate.	Spiraea splendens var. splendens
1	Young stems, leaf abaxial surfaces, and pedicels and bracteoles puberulent.	Spiraea splendens var. rosea