Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) is a great plant in the riparian restoration toolbox, a woody shrub that does well streamside and other wet environments. The name comes from its peeling/shredding bark. The leaves are “duck foot” shaped with three distinct lobes, and in the late spring will produce beautiful white flower clusters. Pacific Ninebarks do well in both full sun and shade if soil remains wet.
Classification: Perennial
Key Characteristics: Peeling bark, white flower cluster with each flower having 5 petals, lobed alternate leaves
Light Requirements: Part shade
Water Requirements: Moist, seasonally wet soil
Ease of Growing: High
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time: April–June
Spreads: By seed, rhizome
Benefits: Wildlife, Rain garden, Pollinators, Beneficial insects, Wildfire resistant, Riparian zones, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds
Edible: No
Mature Height: 8–12 feet
Mature Width: 4–7 feet
