Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Rosales>Rosaceae>Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maximowicz var. opulifolius

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ninebark is a shrub of sunny stream borders, common in the Mountains and occasional in the Piedmont region of North Carolina.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Developing flower buds. Carroll Co., VA 5/26/03.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

The stunning flower heads are popular with insects. Carroll Co., VA 6/14/03.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ripening fruits. Carroll Co., VA 6/14/03.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Grayson Co., VA 5/30/2009.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/09.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/09.

Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) bark

The name "ninebark" refers to the fact that the bark peels off in layers. Whether there are actually nine layers, I cannot say. (Most of the foliage in the background is Rosa multiflora.)

More information:
University of Connecticut
USDA PLANTS database

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