Common Ninebark

 

Common Ninebark (Physocarphus opulifolius)

Size: 6′ tall with 4′ spread

Flowering: May and June

Fruiting: pods in late-summer

Birds: upland game birds, and seed eaters such as grosbeak, jay, thrasher, and migrating finches

Common Ninebark is a large attractive shrub covered with 2 inch clusters of small white flowers in May and June and attractive seed pods later in the summer.  The foliage turns yellow-green in the Fall and its peeling bark adds interest in winter.  Plant in humus rich, well drained soil and full sun.  The flowers are a good nectar source for butterflies and the seeds are eaten by several bird species – especially by upland game birds, and large seed-eaters such as grosbeak, jay, thrasher, and migrating finches.

Ninebark also provides nectar for a butterflies, including the spring azure. The clustered flowers provide an easy platform for insects to land and attracts a variety of bees, wasps, flies, caterpillars and other insects.