How much sun does Pacific ninebark need?

Pacific ninebark grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Pacific ninebark bloom?

Pacific ninebark blooms in May and June.

Where is Pacific ninebark native?

Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Pacific ninebark attract?

Pacific ninebark draws bees and butterflies.

Pacific ninebark

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Physocarpus capitatus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) is a perennial shrub native to CA, ID, OR, WA. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) 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.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–180" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley North American Deserts

A multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with maple-like lobed leaves, rounded clusters of small white flowers in late spring, and papery reddish seed pods. Peeling, shredding bark adds winter interest along streambanks and wet thickets.

Growing Pacific ninebark

Grow Pacific ninebark in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 180 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Flowers attract native bees and butterflies, and the dense branching provides nesting cover for songbirds near water.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific ninebark need?: Pacific ninebark grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pacific ninebark bloom?: Pacific ninebark blooms in May and June.
Where is Pacific ninebark native?: Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Pacific ninebark attract?: Pacific ninebark draws bees and butterflies.

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.

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