Hardhack

Hardhack

Hardhack, or Steeple Bush Spiraea douglasii is a shrub that grows about a metre high by ponds and other wet places. It is quite common on the west coast of Canada. The stems have narrow oval leaves with margins that have coarse teeth towards their tips. The flowers form fluffy pink clusters that die down to reddish-brown husks. A related pink-flowered species Spiraea tomentosa that grows in Ontario, is also known as Hardhack. [CH] {CP}