Spirea douglasii is commonly known as hardhack or Douglas spirea. It is a deciduous shrub 4 - 6 feet tall, often forming large thickets. You will find hardhack in riparian habitats, such as bogs, mud flats and stream banks, as well as moist forest areas, from low to mid elevations. Happy in sun or partial shade, it is common from Alaska to Northern California. Hardhack has a long bloom period, from June through August, producing rose-colored terminal panicles of showy flowers.

Spirea douglasii is frequently used to stabilize stream banks and shorelines, as well as used in wetland restoration. Its location needs to be carefully considered before being planted in a home landscape, as it can become invasive. Its vigor may be reduced by planting it in a area that gets less moisture than it normally likes. In the Buck Lake Native Plant Garden, it is part of the hedgerow at the southern end of the garden, along with vine maple, mock orange and black twinberry.

Hardhack provides cover for birds and small mammals. Its flowers are a source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.

Indigenous northwest tribes used the branches to spread salmon on for drying and smoking.