Birch-leaf spirea is a gorgeous low-growing shrub with attractive flowers and fall color. It will grow happily in full sun or fairly heavy shade, and provides a short border component to taller shrub plantings. This species resembles snowberry in habitat and growth habit, but does not spread as vigorously. 
 
This little shrub is a major component of our local forest understory and forest openings, and should be high on everyone's list of adaptable landscaping species.