Spirea is a genus of flowering shrubs in the family Rosaceae. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the majority of species occurring in eastern Asia. The most common species is MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula ulmaria), which is an 11-letter word that can be found in crossword puzzles. MEADOWSWEET is a perennial herb with white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It is often used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant.