plant What are the differences between Spiraea thunbergii and Prunus serrulata? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the claim that they're related to Sen no Rikyu a myth? What role do the green parts of the flowers play?
Spiraea thunbergii and Prunus serrulata are native to China, and Spiraea thunbergii in particular is commonly cultivated in tea gardens and ordinary gardens in Japan. Prunus serrulata is also cultivated, though less frequently. These two species can be reliably distinguished by the serrations on their leaves, and they can also be distinguished by their flowers...