Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly known as Ninebark, is a hardy, deciduous native shrub found in streambanks, woodland edges, thickets, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained to moderately moist soils, making it a versatile and resilient choice for native gardens, hedgerows, and erosion control plantings.
This medium to large shrub typically grows 3 to 9 feet tall and wide. It features arching branches with attractive, deeply lobed leaves that resemble those of viburnum. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, white to pinkish-white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. These are followed by reddish seed capsules that provide additional interest. The plant gets its name from its bark, which peels away in thin, papery layers to reveal multiple colors beneath—giving the appearance of “nine” barks.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Physocarpus opulifolius is a valuable multi-season shrub offering ornamental appeal, wildlife support, and tough adaptability. Its dense form provides excellent cover for birds, while its flowers support pollinators and its seeds feed small wildlife. It pairs well with other native shrubs like Serviceberry, New Jersey Tea, and Elderberry in layered, ecologically beneficial plantings.
Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly known as Ninebark, is a hardy, deciduous native shrub found in streambanks, woodland edges, thickets, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained to moderately moist soils, making it a versatile and resilient choice for native gardens, hedgerows, and erosion control plantings.
This medium to large shrub typically grows 3 to 9 feet tall and wide. It features arching branches with attractive, deeply lobed leaves that resemble those of viburnum. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, white to pinkish-white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. These are followed by reddish seed capsules that provide additional interest. The plant gets its name from its bark, which peels away in thin, papery layers to reveal multiple colors beneath—giving the appearance of “nine” barks.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Physocarpus opulifolius is a valuable multi-season shrub offering ornamental appeal, wildlife support, and tough adaptability. Its dense form provides excellent cover for birds, while its flowers support pollinators and its seeds feed small wildlife. It pairs well with other native shrubs like Serviceberry, New Jersey Tea, and Elderberry in layered, ecologically beneficial plantings.
Physocarpus opulifolius, commonly known as Ninebark, is a hardy, deciduous native shrub found in streambanks, woodland edges, thickets, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained to moderately moist soils, making it a versatile and resilient choice for native gardens, hedgerows, and erosion control plantings.
This medium to large shrub typically grows 3 to 9 feet tall and wide. It features arching branches with attractive, deeply lobed leaves that resemble those of viburnum. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, white to pinkish-white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. These are followed by reddish seed capsules that provide additional interest. The plant gets its name from its bark, which peels away in thin, papery layers to reveal multiple colors beneath—giving the appearance of “nine” barks.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Physocarpus opulifolius is a valuable multi-season shrub offering ornamental appeal, wildlife support, and tough adaptability. Its dense form provides excellent cover for birds, while its flowers support pollinators and its seeds feed small wildlife. It pairs well with other native shrubs like Serviceberry, New Jersey Tea, and Elderberry in layered, ecologically beneficial plantings.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: bluffs; cliffs; hedge rows; rocky banks of streams; sandy seeps; thickets; thinly wooded hillsides
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to dry
Plant type (height): shrub (3 to 9 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: loam; rocky; sandy