Native Plant Database

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Fruit Type: Capsule
Leaf Color: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Fruit Color: Red, Brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MO , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: NY to MN & SD, s. to FL, AR & KS; an escape northeastward
Native Habitat: Stream banks; rocky hillsides; woodland edges
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist , Dry
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Clay, Loam
Conditions Comments: Common ninebark is fast-growing, insect & disease resistant, and drought-tolerant.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Propagate by fall-sown seed or semi-hardwood cuttings with or without hormone treatment.
Seed Collection: Ripe fruits can be picked from the shrub or shaken onto a drop cloth.
Seed Treatment: Seeds require no special treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

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PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Physocarpus opulifolius (Common ninebark) is a PlantWise native alternative for:

   Rhodotypos scandens (jetbead)

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I want to replace my two dozen azaleas this spring (I think they're unattractive once the flowers fall off). I like the multiseason characteristics of weigela (midnight wine, W&R), but want to go native. Can you suggest a native alternative to these compact oriental beauties?
click here to view the full question and answer

Question: I'm seeking a small-medium, ornamental, fairly compact, evergreen shrub to complement my front yard woodland wildflower garden. I want a shrub that will flank both sides of my front porch steps. I want something that is not to "rangy" or broad in growth.
click here to view the full question and answer

Question: We live in upstate new york( zone 5) with full sun and clay soil. What flowers/flowering shrubs would be successful in this environment?
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Physocarpus opulifolius in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Physocarpus opulifolius in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Physocarpus opulifolius