Physocarpus capitatus

Found growing along lakes, streams and in the damp woods of the western United States. This 4-12' currant-like large shrub has brilliant-green foliage and wonderful rounded bright-white flower clusters resembling a snowball. The foliage turns excellent shades of red and orange in the autumn. This shrub makes a nice addition to the damp wild garden. Its fibrous roots also make it an important plant for stream bank stabilization. S-PSh/M-W

A deciduous shrub, 5' tall and about 5' wide. The spring flower show is delightful. Fall color can be intense red to orange. It?s common name tells of the various texture of the peeling bark. Ninebark likes part shade in hot locations and drought tolerant in coastal areas. It grows well under oaks and tolerates serpentine soil. Dense round clusters of small cream colored flowers from April-July Ranges from Alaska to California west of the Cascade Mountains with small population in northern Idaho. Particularly valuable for streambank and lakeshore stabilization applications. Pacific ninebark provides good cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Although considered toxic by some, Ninebark was used as an emetic, purgative and laxative by Native Americans. Found in grows along streambanks and on slopes in moist, somewhat open places but can occasionally be found on drier, brushy sites. . Communitites located in Redwood Forest, Chaparral, Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 4500 feet.

A popular plant in California native woodland gardens, originally found along streams in the Coastal Ranges & the Sierra foothills, it has proven itself very adaptable to dry woodlands, even tolerating serpentine soils. A deciduous shrub, it can grow to 8’ tall & has a delicate appearance with small Maple-like leaves & attractive white 3-5” flower clusters in the Spring. The leaves turn red-orange in the Fall & the common name “Ninebark” describes the distinctive bark which peels to show many layers at the same time. Pretty! Combine with other woodland plants like Aquilegia Formosa & Heuchera maxima. Will need more water if grown in sun in inland gardens.