Common Ninebark

Common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a resilient, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, prized for its extreme hardiness and multi-seasonal appeal. It earns its name from its distinctive, exfoliating bark that peels away in thin, papery layers of reddish-brown, providing high visual interest in the winter landscape. Growing between 5 and 8 feet tall with a cascading, arching habit, the shrub features lobed, maple-like leaves and produces dense, flat-topped clusters of creamy white or pinkish flowers in late spring. These blooms transition into decorative, inflated red seed capsules that persist into autumn, offering a striking contrast against its yellow or bronze fall foliage.

In the landscape, Common Ninebark is a “workhorse” species favored for its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, including heavy clay, alkaline soils, and road salt. Its fast growth and dense form make it an ideal choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, or informal hedges. Because of its deep, fibrous root system and natural affinity for stream banks, it is frequently used for erosion control on steep slopes and in rain gardens. Ecologically, it is a powerhouse; the nectar-rich flowers support native bees and butterflies, while its thicket-forming branches provide essential nesting cover for songbirds.