False Spiraea is a tough, multi-stemmed shrub that was found originally in the Ural Mountains of Russia. It’s tough because it tolerates pretty harsh conditions: thin soil, drought, cold and wind. It has ferny compound foliage that is tinged pink as it emerges. It can get big and rather unruly at 5-10′ HxW but doesn’t mind being pruned hard late winter. It’s also hard to pass up its white Astilbe-like flower spikes in June – so worth it. It will spread by suckering which makes it great for larger areas and controlling erosion, but maybe not so great for the small garden.