// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a shrub in the Rosaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–8a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Rosaceae
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 36 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–8a
Mature size: 4'–10'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: High — pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native shrub · peeling bark · pollinator and bird value

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) — *Physocarpus opulifolius* — Ninebark. Photo by Eric Hunt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a shrub in the Rosaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–8a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms May–Jun. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native shrub · peeling bark · pollinator and bird value. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, ninebark pairs naturally with: American Plum (Prunus americana), False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida).