Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Estimated Height at Pickup: 2-3’, 1 gal

This green-leafed wild type of the common purple-leafed cultivar is a hardy, adaptable flowering shrub with a lovely arching habit. Bark on mature branches splits and peels to show lighter inner bark, red seed capsules are showy against the green leaves, and pale flowers in the spring and summer attract a variety of pollinators!

Pollination: 2+ individuals needed.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic, Dry

Soil Type: Adaptable

Height: 3’-9’

Width: 4’-8’

Bloom Color: White, Pink

Bloom Time: May-Jun

Fruit: Seeds are small, oblong seed capsules darken to a showy red as they mature.

Fall Color: Orange, Red

Root Type: Fibrous

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies. Hosts moths such as the white spring moth and unicorn caterpillar, and a few other small insects. Browsed by deer, and a small number of birds may feed on seeds.

Notes: Extensive root mat makes it resistant to compaction and valuable for erosion control.