Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)
A showy plant that attracts bees and is a host plant for 92 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)), including the threatened 3-Striped Oncocnemis (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). A rare butterfly, the Karner Blue, has been observed to nectar at the flowers of Steeplebush (illinoiswildflower.info). It is not a preferred source of food for deer because of the bitter foliage.
Photo credit: Doug McGrady
A showy plant that attracts bees and is a host plant for 92 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)), including the threatened 3-Striped Oncocnemis (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). A rare butterfly, the Karner Blue, has been observed to nectar at the flowers of Steeplebush (illinoiswildflower.info). It is not a preferred source of food for deer because of the bitter foliage.
Photo credit: Doug McGrady
A showy plant that attracts bees and is a host plant for 92 species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)), including the threatened 3-Striped Oncocnemis (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/). A rare butterfly, the Karner Blue, has been observed to nectar at the flowers of Steeplebush (illinoiswildflower.info). It is not a preferred source of food for deer because of the bitter foliage.
Photo credit: Doug McGrady
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Wet, Medium-Wet
Height: 4 feet
Plant Spacing: 1-3 feet
Bloom Time: July-September
Bloom Color: Pink
Advantages: Caterpillar Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant
Host Plant: Possibly Spring/Summer Azure and 92 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)
Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: 3-Striped Oncocnemis (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/)
