Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
Last reviewed: September 2026
Physocarpus opulifolius (ninebark) is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in May and June. It grows well in full sun to part shade and tolerates both wet and moderately dry soils.
Toxicity unknown
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) 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 Ninebark as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–120" H × 72"–120" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AZ, CT, DE and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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.
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Ninebark is a sturdy native shrub with attractive white flower clusters in late spring and early summer. It features peeling bark that adds winter interest and can grow quite large, making it suitable for larger landscape spaces.
Growing Ninebark
Grow Ninebark in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 120 inches tall and spread 72 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ninebark is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Large mature size requires adequate space planning
Wildlife value
Host plant for spring azure, columbus butterfly, pale swallowtail.
The abundant white flowers attract bees and butterflies during bloom season. Birds also benefit from the small fruits that develop after flowering.
Common questions
- When does ninebark bloom?
- Ninebark typically flowers in May and June, producing small clusters of white blooms along the branches.
- What pollinators does ninebark attract?
- The flowers draw bees and butterflies, which visit for nectar and pollen during the spring bloom period.
- How much sun does ninebark need?
- It grows best in full sun but tolerates part sun to part shade, though flowering and fall color are strongest with more sun.
- How much water does ninebark require?
- It does well in medium moisture soil and can handle both wetter sites, such as stream banks, and shorter dry spells once established.
- Does ninebark keep its leaves year round?
- No, ninebark is deciduous and drops its leaves in fall after a change in color, leafing out again each spring.
- Is Ninebark toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Ninebark as toxic to livestock.
- Is Ninebark HOA-friendly?
- Ninebark is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 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