Threatened Species: VIRGINIA SPIRAEA APPALACHIAN SPIRAEA VIRGINIA MEADOWSWEET Spiraea virginiana (Rose Family)
by Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia
Virginia spiraea in one of the raest shrubs in the world. It is a medium to short shrub 1-2 meters (3.2-6.5 feet) tall. It grows in clumps and spreads by root sprouting. Leaves are whitish beneath and green above. Leaves are highly variable in form. Some leaves may have a few teeth near the tip while other leaves will be completely toothless. Leaf shapes range from narrowly elliptical to oblong, all with a tiny pointed tip. Leaves are 5-8cm (2-3 inches) long. Flowers in June. Multiple flowers occur in flat-topped clusters, 5-10cm (2-4 inches) wide. Flowers have 5 small white petals 5mm (0.2 inches) wide. Fruiting is in August through October. Fruit is a “rose-hip” 2mm (0.1 inches) long. Seed is small, long, and rough surfaced. Virginia spiraea is found along larger streams on sand and gravel bars in the stream bottoms, growing on rocky ledges, and among rocky patches -- all of which are periodically scared by flooding. It needs well-drained, wet, full sun sites. Figure 1 shows a general distribution in the Southeastern US for this species. Virginia spiraea is listed as a federally threatened species. Its native range is spread over 10 states. Figure 2 shows the county distribution in Georgia. Virgina spiraea is found in the Lookout Mountain area of Northwest Georgia. Photographs are attached showing plant.
Publication WSFNR-17-18 April 2017 The University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability
The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. WS MI SD PA NJ
IOWA OH DE MY NE IN IL WV VA
KY KS MO. NC
TN S C AR OK GA AL MS
TX LA FL
Figure 1: General distribution in the Southeastern US.
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia 2 Figure 2: County distribution in Georgia.
DADE CATOOSA FANNIN TOWNS RABUN MURRAY UNION WALKER WHITFIELD GILMER WHITE CHATTOOGA LUMPKIN GORDON STEPHENS PICKENS HABERSHAM
DAWSON FRANKLIN HALL BANKS HART FLOYD CHEROKEE GEORGIA BARTOW
FORSYTH JACKSON MADISON ELBERT POLK BARROW COBB GWINNETT CLARKE OGLETHORPE PAULDING OCONEE HARALSON WALTON DEKALB WILKES LINCOLN DOUGLAS FULTON
CARROLL ROCKDALE MORGAN GREENE NEWTON COLUMBIA
CLAYTON HENRY TALIAFERRO
COWETA WARREN McDUFFIE FAYETTE HEARD JASPER PUTNAM RICHMOND SPALDING BUTTS HANCOCK
GLASCOCK PIKE BALDWIN JEFFERSON BURKE TROUP LAMAR MONROE JONES
MERIWETHER WASHINGTON UPSON
BIBB WILKINSON JENKINS HARRIS TALBOT CRAWFORD JOHNSON SCREVEN TWIGGS EMANUEL MUSCOGEE TAYLOR PEACH
LAURENS HOUSTON CHATTA- BLECKLEY TREUTLEN BULLOCH HOOCHEE MARION MACON CANDLER EFFINGHAM
SCHLEY PULASKI DOOLY DODGE EVANS STEWART WHEELER TOOMBS SUMTER BRYAN CHATHAM WEBSTER WILCOX MONTGOMERY TATTNALL CRISP TELFAIR LIBERTY QUITMAN TERRELL LEE JEFF RANDOLPH BEN HILL DAVIS APPLING TURNER LONG
CLAY IRWIN CALHOUN DOUGHERTY WAYNE WORTH COFFEE BACON McINTOSH TIFT EARLY BAKER PIERCE BERRIEN ATKINSON MITCHELL GLYNN MILLER COLQUITT BRANTLEY COOK WARE
LANIER DECATUR CLINCH GRADY THOMAS LOWNDES CHARLTON CAMDEN
SEMINOLE BROOKS
ECHOLS
Background map from Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia.
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia 3 Habitat view. (photo credits Dr. Kim D. Coder)
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia 4 Shoots and foliage.
(photo credits Dr. Kim D. Coder)
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia 5 Leaves. (photo credits Dr. Kim D. Coder)
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia 6 Flowers.
(photo credts Dr. Kim D. Coder)
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia 7