Prairie Ninebark | Physocarpus opulifolius

🌿 Ships well rooted in a 3.5 x 5 inch deep pot. 

Prairie Ninebark is the kind of native shrub that earns its keep in every season and asks almost nothing in return. In late spring, dense, rounded clusters of small white to pale pink flowers cover the arching branches, buzzing with mining bees, short and long-tongued bees, and butterflies. Reddish seed clusters follow in late summer and fall, eaten by a wide range of bird species. Then the foliage turns yellow and drops to reveal the real showstopper: exfoliating bark that peels away to expose chocolate-brown inner layers that catch winter light beautifully. Four full seasons of interest from one tough, adaptable shrub. It's a top choice for increasing biodiversity, known to host numerous moth species including the Io moth, Glorious Habrosyne, and Bluish Spring Moth, making it far more ecologically valuable than most ornamental alternatives. Xerces Society recognizes it as having special value to both native and honey bees.

It handles an extraordinary range of conditions: dry to wet soil, clay to loam, full sun to part shade, streambanks, slopes, and woodland edges alike. It makes an excellent hedge and provides good erosion control, and it grows fast. It may reach its full height in a single season. Prune it hard after bloom to keep it tidy, or cut it to the ground in late winter for a fresh start. Note that ninebark is not deer resistant and young plants benefit from protection in areas with heavy deer pressure. 

🌿 Latin Name: Physocarpus opulifolius
🌞 Light: Full sun to part shade
🌱 Soil: Highly adaptable; clay, loam, sandy; dry to wet; wide pH range
💧 Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
📏 Mature Size: 5 to 10 ft tall and wide; arching, multi-stemmed habit
🌸 Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
🗺️ Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
🦋 Wildlife Value: Special value to native and honey bees; attracts butterflies and moths; larval host for numerous moth species; birds eat the fall seed clusters
✂️ Maintenance: Prune after bloom; tolerates hard pruning or cutting to the ground in late winter