Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: White
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

White flowers and green foliage of Physocarpus opulifolius
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High, Wet
Nature Attracting
Butterfly
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

5 to
10
feet

Spread:

6 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 5 to
10
feet
Spread: 6 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 5 to
10
feet
Spread: 6 to
10
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Good nectar source for butterflies and other insects. Background plant in borders and native gardens. Mass in shrub border, hedgerow or screen. Use for erosion control on banks.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Tolerates wide range of soil conditions but grows best in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil. Grows well in poor soil and tough conditions. Prune as needed immediately after bloom. Plants may be cut to the ground in winter to renew vigor.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower, Rainscaping
Basic Description

Clusters of white to pinkish flowers resembling spirea bloom May-June. Birds eat the seed formed in reddish drooping fruit clusters in fall. The bark provides winter interest as it peels away in strips to reveal layers of reddish to light brown inner bark on mature stems.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

Support the Grow Native! Program
Skip to content