ninebarks

Physocarpus

Ninebark is a fun shrub with many branches that look like they have bark peeling off. It has pretty flowers in spring and colorful leaves in fall, making it a great plant for gardens!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The ninebarks has uniquely peeling bark that sheds in papery strips, revealing multiple layers of reddish-brown to cinnamon colors. Its clusters of small white to pinkish flowers bloom in spring, followed by striking red fruit, while lobed green leaves often display vibrant fall colors.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPhysocarpus

ninebarks

Interesting facts

Its small, balloon-like fruits pop open to release tiny seeds!

Many varieties have stunning dark purple or gold leaves all summer long!

Native American tribes used parts of the plant for traditional medicine.

Ninebarks is a favorite plant for creating natural privacy hedges!

Special abilities

ninebarks has fascinating peeling bark that sheds in papery strips, helping it adapt to temperature changes and resist disease.

ninebarks can grow in tough spots like poor soil and urban pollution, helping it survive where many other plants struggle.

ninebarks forms dense, bushy growth, providing excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and small animals to stay safe.

Measurements & details

Height: 150-300 cm
Spread: 150-300 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

gathers nectar from its abundant flowers.

eats

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

browses on its leaves and twigs.

shelters

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

builds nests within its dense, protective branches.

eats

American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

consumes the small seeds from its autumn fruits.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Fall Color

Witness the breathtaking transformation as leaves change from green to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold before they fall. It's a spectacular natural art show!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.