Taxonomic name: Spiraea japonica L. f.
Synonyms: Spiraea bumalda Burv., Spiraea japonica var. alpina Maxim.
Common names: Japanese meadowsweet (English), Japanese spiraea (English)
Organism type: shrub
Spiraea japonica is a deciduous, perennial shrub native to Asia that has been introduced to the United States as an ornamental. It aggressively invades disturbed areas and forms dense stands that outcompete native species. Spiraea japonica is found growing along streams, rivers, forest edges, roadsides and fields. It often spreads locally when its hardy seeds are transported along watercourses and in fill dirt.
S. japonica is a deciduous shrub that grows 1.2m to almost 2m in height and about the same in width. It has slender erect stems that are brown to reddish-brown, round in cross-section and sometimes hairy. The leaves are generally an ovate shape about 2.5cm to 7.5cm long, have toothed margins, and alternate along the stem. The seeds measure about 2.5mm in length and are found in small lustrous capsules (Remaley, 1998). Clusters of rosy-pink flowers are found at the tips of the branches (flowers are white to rosy-pink for natural populations native to Asia). S. japonica is naturally variable in form and there are many varieties of it in the horticulture trade. (Nine varieties have been described within the species so far, and southwest China is the center for biodiversity of the species (Zhang et al. 2002).
Spiraea betulifolia, Spiraea viginiana
agricultural areas, natural forests, planted forests, riparian zones, ruderal/disturbed, urban areas
A common habitat for this genus in general seems to be in riparian areas, bogs, or other wetland habitats (Ogle 1991).S. japonica is found growing along streams, rivers, forest edges, roadsides, successional fields, and power line right-of-ways. Growing populations will creep into meadows, forest openings, and other sites (Remaley, 1998). According to Scheper (2000), S. japonica prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers lots of water during the growing season but cannot tolerate saturated soils for extended periods of time. S. japonica will grow in a wide variety of soils, including those on the alkaline side, but it prefers a rich, moist loam.
Japanese spirea have become naturalized and occupy habitats similar to those of native spireas (Ogle 1991). S. japonica, according to Remaley (1998), can rapidly take over disturbed areas. Once established, S. japonica grows quickly and forms dense stands that outcompete much of the existing native herbs and shrubs. The seeds can last for many years in the soil, making its control and the restoration of native vegetation especially difficult.
S. japonica is a common ornamental. The tall forms are grown as hedges, low screens, or foundation shrubs and the low-growing forms are used as groundcovers or in borders. The plant has been used as traditional medicine by native people, and extracts from the plants were found to be bioactive (Xiaojiang Hao et al. 2003).
Native range: S. japonica is native to Japan, China, and Korea (Remaley, 1998).
Known introduced range: S. japonica has been introduced into most of the Eastern United States (USDA-NRCS, 2002).
Introduction pathways to new locations
For ornamental purposes: Spiraea japonica is a popular ornamental shrub (Remaley, 1998).
Landscape/fauna "improvement": Spiraea japonica is a popular ornamental shrub (Remaley, 1998).
Local dispersal methods
Transportation of habitat material (local): Remaley (1998) states that seeds can be spread by the distribution of fill dirt. The seeds establish new populations in the highly disturbed soil of construction sites.
Water currents: The seeds are naturally dispersed by water and deposited along stream banks (Remaley, 1998).
Mechanical: Mowing/Cutting: This method is appropriate for small initial populations or environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. Repeated mowing or cutting will control the spread of spiraea, but it may not eradicate it. Stems should be cut at least once per growing season prior to seed production and as close to ground level as possible.
Chemical: Foliar spray options are suitable for large thickets of Japanese spiraea and where risk to non-target species is minimal. Air temperature should be above 18 degrees Celsius or 65 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure absorption of herbicides. Glyphosate and Triclopyr are other herbicides used. Glyphosate is a non-selective systemic herbicide that may kill partially-sprayed non-target plants. Apply a 2% solution of glyphosate and water plus a 0.5% non-ionic surfactant to thoroughly wet all leaves. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide for broadleaf species and can be used where desirable grasses are growing in proximity to the area being sprayed. Apply a 2% solution of triclopyr and water plus a 0.5% non-ionic surfactant to thoroughly wet all leaves. Use a low pressure and coarse spray pattern to reduce spray-drift damage to non-target species. The cut stump method is used when individual plants are being treated, and in cases where foliar application cannot be used. The stems must be cut to the ground and a 25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr must be applied making sure that the entire surface is covered.
Scheper (2000) states that S. japonica responds well to manure supplements and thrives on organic mulch.
A single plant produces hundreds of small seeds that are naturally dispersed (Remaley, 1998).
S. japonica has a perennial life cycle, and its seeds can last for many years in the soil (Remaley, 1998).
Reviewed by: Zhang Zhaoyang, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences Helongtan, Kunming, Yunnan China
Compiled by: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Last Modified: Monday, 24 January 2005