Western Ninebark
Physocarpus capitatus
Also listed as Neillia capitata, Opulaster capitatus
Also known as Pacific Ninebark
Climate Match for your location
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Western Ninebark is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, valued for its showy clusters of small white to pink flowers and exfoliating cinnamon-colored bark. It tolerates wet soils and performs well in riparian zones, making it useful for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Why grow it
Western Ninebark outperforms many ornamental shrubs in wet or seasonally saturated soils where alternatives struggle, making it particularly useful for riparian restoration and poorly drained sites. Its multi-season appeal (spring flowers, summer foliage, exfoliating winter bark) provides visual interest across the year without requiring pruning for structure. Compared to other native Pacific Northwest shrubs of similar size, it combines erosion control capability with wildlife value and moderate shade tolerance.
Watch out for
This shrub responds vigorously to disturbance and can self-seed prolifically in moist conditions, so plan for periodic thinning or deadheading if spread is a concern. It prefers consistent moisture and may show stress or reduced vigor in consistently dry climates without supplemental watering during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest North America
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Tilden Park' is a popular compact cultivar with deep burgundy foliage; 'Minuet' is a dwarf selection with purple leaves and pink flowers.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Western Ninebark is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, valued for its showy clusters of small white to pink flowers and exfoliating cinnamon-colored bark. It tolerates wet soils and performs well in riparian zones, making it useful for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Ninebark grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western Ninebark outperforms many ornamental shrubs in wet or seasonally saturated soils where alternatives struggle, making it particularly useful for riparian restoration and poorly drained sites. Its multi-season appeal (spring flowers, summer foliage, exfoliating winter bark) provides visual interest across the year without requiring pruning for structure. Compared to other native Pacific Northwest shrubs of similar size, it combines erosion control capability with wildlife value and moderate shade tolerance.
Watch out for
This shrub responds vigorously to disturbance and can self-seed prolifically in moist conditions, so plan for periodic thinning or deadheading if spread is a concern. It prefers consistent moisture and may show stress or reduced vigor in consistently dry climates without supplemental watering during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest North America
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Tilden Park' is a popular compact cultivar with deep burgundy foliage; 'Minuet' is a dwarf selection with purple leaves and pink flowers.