Bridewort
Spiraea salicifoliafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. ABA8 — Spiraea salicifolia
Spiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea salicifolia
IOverview
Overview
Bridewort, scientifically known as Spiraea salicifolia, is a shrub native to Belarus where it thrives in moist environments with light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. This plant reaches heights of 1.8 meters and is hardy in zones 4-8. Bridewort is notable for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to the landscape or garden. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light requirement; it prefers moist conditions but can adapt to various soil types, ensuring its survival across different growing conditions.
Quick answers
What is Bridewort?
Bridewort, scientifically known as Spiraea salicifolia, is a shrub native to Belarus where it thrives in moist environments with light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. This plant reaches heights of 1.8 meters and is hardy in zones 4-8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bridewort thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 4 to 8. This shrub requires partial shade with a light requirement of 7/10. For optimal growth, maintain consistent moisture levels and ensure the soil pH ranges between 6.5 and 7. Propagate by division or cuttings during spring or early autumn. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Bridewort for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple shrub that thrives in moist conditions and light soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Bridewort plants or seeds, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Bridewort in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 6.5–7; keep moist but not waterlogged.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to establish roots, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light (sandy) to heavy (clay) soil and keep the area weed-free. Prune in late winter for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape; leaves can be harvested for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:HedgerowoilErosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AustriaBelarusBulgariaHungaryPolandRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Kamchatka, Amur, Buryatiya, Krasnoyarsk, Tuva, Altay, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Magadan, Primorye, Sakhalin, Yakutskiya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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