Clusters of attractive, rosy-pink flowers are borne at the tips of branches. Japanese spiraea is naturally variable in form and there are many varieties of it in the horticultural trade.
Japanese spiraea can rapidly take over disturbed areas.
Growing populations creep into meadows, forest openings, and other sites. Once established, spiraea grows rapidly and forms dense stands that outcompete much of the existing native herbs and shrubs. Seeds of Japanese spiraea last for many years in the soil, making its control and the restoration of native vegetation especially difficult. Japanese spiraea is now naturalized throughout much of the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest. Japanese spiraea is adapted to disturbed areas, tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and grows in full sun to partial shade.