Physocarpus opulifolius

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Common name: common ninebark, Atlantic ninebark

Family: Rosaceae (rose family)

Synonym: Physocarpus australis, Physocarpus stellatus, Spiraea opulifolia

Distribution: e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Deciduous shrub/Subshrub

Comments: This is an upright and spreading deciduous shrub that grows up to 5-8 ft. tall and 4-6 ft. wide. It is closely related to the genus Spiraea. It is noted for its exfoliating bark which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark. The common name of ninebark is in reference to this attractive exfoliating bark that offers great winter interest when not hidden by the dense foliage during the growing season. The small pink to white flowers appear in dense, flat, rounded clusters in late spring and give way to drooping clusters of reddish fruit (inflated seed capsules). This plant is beneficial to pollinators like butterflies, bees, and birds. Not particular to soil conditions. Does well in a native plant garden or shrub border.

Links: • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN Taxonomy) • The Plant List • USDA PLANTS Database - US Department of Agriculture

1: CCA: AZ28 (AZ28) • Accession: D2018-0492.001 • Origin: United States of America • Provenance: Wild of Known Origin
2: CCA: AZ28 (AZ28) • Accession: D2018-0492.002 • Origin: United States of America • Provenance: Wild of Known Origin
3: CCA: AZ28 (AZ28) • Accession: D2018-0492.003 • Origin: United States of America • Provenance: Wild of Known Origin
4: CCA: AZ28 (AZ28) • Accession: D2018-0492.004 • Origin: United States of America • Provenance: Wild of Known Origin
5: CCA: AZ28 (AZ28) • Accession: D2018-0492.005 • Origin: United States of America • Provenance: Wild of Known Origin
6: FLS: CB24 (CB24) • Accession: D1997-0643.001 • Origin: United States of America • Provenance: Wild of Known Origin

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Taxon

Physocarpus opulifolius

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