The leaves of S. betulifolia are eaten by blue grouse in spring, and the plant is browsed by deer in summer.

[4] Many species of Spiraea are used as ornamental plants in temperate climates, particularly for their showy clusters of dense flowers.

Acetylsalicylic acid was first isolated from Filipendula ulmaria,[citation needed] a species at the time classified in the genus Spiraea.

The word "aspirin" was coined by adding a- (for acetylation) to spirin, from the German Spirsäure, a reference to Spiraea.

[13] There are also numerous named hybrids, some occurring naturally in the wild, others bred in gardens, including several important ornamental plants: