Sorbaria sorbifolia

The false spiraea originates form the region stretching from the central parts of Siberia to Japan and the Kamchatka Peninsula, where it grows on riversides and coniferous swamps. It was introduced to Europe as an ornamental, but has since ran away from cultivation. Among other places, it is found as a fugitive on roadsides, wastelands and forest edges.

The false spiraea has proven to be an invasive species in several countries, including Sweden, Norway and Lithuania.

In Finland, false spireae thrives throughout the country, even in Lapland. It is quite unpretentious to the place of growth, but it grows and spreads faster in lush places. It has been found to spread even to protected areas.