Prairie Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Description

Prairie Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a beautiful and versatile native shrub for landscapes in North America. Here’s a quick summary:

• Growth Habit: It’s a deciduous shrub growing 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, with arching branches that create a mounded shape.
• Flowers and Foliage: Clusters of white flowers bloom in June or July, resembling spirea blossoms. The leaves are green in summer, turning yellow in fall.
• Bark: The most striking feature is its namesake bark. Mature stems have papery bark that peels away in reddish-brown strips, revealing a layer of inner bark. This provides winter interest in the landscape.
• Benefits: A low-maintenance plant, it tolerates a variety of sun exposures and soil conditions. It attracts birds with its berries and provides year-round interest with its flowers, foliage, and winter bark.
• Use: This adaptable shrub is a great choice for borders, hedges, or foundation plantings. It can also be used in naturalized landscapes to support native wildlife.