Ninebark

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

▲ ▼ new growth in spring

▲ new growth in spring

▲ leaves and twig

▲ older stem showing peeling layers of bark ("nine" barks)

Location near campus: in Xeriscape Garden (location at corner of Linwood and National, about 1 mile south of campus).

Physocarpus opulifolius: Ninebark

• leaves alternate, deciduous, simple, ovate with 3-5 somewhat pointed lobes and serrations along all the margins; 1-3" long and 1/2 as wide; shiny medium green above and below, glabrous
• stems shiny red-brown when young with angles from leaf bases.; older stems exfoliate showing red-brown, tan, yellow barks when older (hence name ninebark)
• flowers white to pink in terminal clusters in mid to late spring-- not too showy; flowers on previous season’s wood; fruit is a reddish, showy follicle
• grows 5-10' tall and wide in upright, spreading, coarse-textured shape
• grows about anywhere, sun-shade, any soil except very wet
• medium to fast growth rate
• native to Missouri
• New, red-foliaged cultivars with pink flowers, such as ‘Diablo,’ ‘Summer Wine’ and others are quite attractive and provide interesting accent to the native landscape