Photographs: Ballingeary, Co. Cork

Confused Bridewort Spiraea x pseudosalicifolia Family: Rosaceae Flowering May-August. Deciduous shrub. Introduced. A hybrid between Bridewort, Spiraea salicifolia and Spirea douglasii. The dense, erect panicles of pink flowers are followed by many-seeded usually sterile fruit. Leaves are alternate, toothed and downy. Suckers freely and can become invasive. Height to 2m+. Identified by Paul Green. A garden escape or relic of cultivation that can be persistent in hedgerows and along roadsides but is often confused with Bridewort.

Confused Bridewort, Spiraea x pseudosalicifolia