Common Ninebark

(Physocarpus opulifolius)

Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly known as Common Ninebark, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and along streams throughout the Eastern and Midwest U.S. and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 1–3 m (3–10 ft) and a spread of 1–2 m (4–6 ft), forming a mound-shaped silhouette with arching stems. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed, contributing to the plant’s textured appearance. The flowers, which are white to pinkish, bloom from May to June and are modestly showy, arranged in dense clusters. Following flowering, the plant produces small red fruits that mature to dry brown capsules. The exfoliating bark peels in thin strips, revealing layers of brown inner bark, which is the origin of the common name.

Common Ninebark is valued for its fast growth, resilience to pests and diseases, and drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It is often used in urban plantings, as a border shrub, or for naturalizing in wild gardens. The plant’s adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions, from moist to dry and acid to alkaline, as well as its ability to thrive in gravelly to heavy clay soils, makes it versatile in landscape design. It prefers full sun to part shade and can handle various drainage conditions. Ninebark’s fibrous root system makes it useful for erosion control on slopes. However, it can become leggy if not pruned regularly, and some cultivars may be prone to powdery mildew.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 5-9 feet
  • Width: 4-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hedges, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and along streams

Other Names

Common Names: Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark, Viburnum-Leaved Ninebark, Schneeball-Blasenspiere, Schneeballblättriger Spierstrauch, Physocarpe, Physocarpe À Feuilles D’Obier, Sept Écorces, Smällspirea

Scientific Names: , Physocarpus opulifolius, Physocarpus opulifolius f. nanus, Physocarpus opulifolius subsp. nanus, Physocarpus opulifolius var. nanus, Spiraea opulifolia, Physocarpus opulifolius var. opulifolius, Opulaster opulifolius, Physocarpus bracteatus, Physocarpus stellatus

GBIF Accepted Name: Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim.