medicinal herbs
White Meadowsweet
Spiraea alba
Herb: White Meadowsweet
Latin name: Spiraea alba
Synonyms: Spiraea salicifolia paniculata
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Medicinal use of White Meadowsweet:
An infusion of the leaves is esteemed as a restorative tonic.Description of the plant:
Plant:
DeciduousShrub
Height:
150 cm(5 feet)
Flowering:
July toAugust
Habitat of the herb:
Moist meadows, marshes, moist open low woodlands, often in sandy soils.Edible parts of White Meadowsweet:
An infusion of the leaves tastes like China tea.Propagation of the herb:
Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if possible. It is likely to require stratification before it germinates, so stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as you receive it. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a light sandy soil a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15cm long, October/November in an outdoor frame. Another report says that September is a good time to do this. Division of suckers in early spring. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.Cultivation of White Meadowsweet:
Moist meadows, marshes, moist open low woodlands, often in sandy soils.Known hazards of Spiraea alba:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.