Mallow Ninebark
Physocarpus malvaceus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Mallow Ninebark (Physocarpus malvaceus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Mallow Ninebark as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Mallow ninebark is a medium-sized native shrub with attractive white flower clusters that bloom from May through July. This drought-tolerant plant develops a rounded form and provides seasonal interest with its deciduous foliage and distinctive peeling bark.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mallow Ninebark is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Winter dormancy leaves bare branches
- May require occasional pruning to maintain shape
Wildlife value
The abundant white flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming season. This native shrub provides valuable habitat and nectar sources for local pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mallow Ninebark need?
- Mallow Ninebark grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mallow Ninebark bloom?
- Mallow Ninebark blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Mallow Ninebark native?
- Mallow Ninebark (Physocarpus malvaceus) is native to CO, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Mallow Ninebark toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mallow Ninebark as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Mallow Ninebark attract?
- Mallow Ninebark draws bees and beetles.
- Is Mallow Ninebark HOA-friendly?
- Mallow Ninebark is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Mallow Ninebark? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz