Physocarpus opulifolius, Ninebark

Ninebark begins flowering around the summer solstice

It's easy enough to forget about shrubs when planting native gardens -there's already so many forbs to think about! Yet our pollinators love flowering shrubs and birds love perches and protection shrubs provide. Ninebark, named such for its mature, peeling bark, is a great addition to nearly any eastern or central Minnesota yard. Not for Minnesota's prairie country, Ninebark will do fine adjacent to a prairie garden if it can catch a little shade and moisture.

Blooms: white, mid June through July 

Height: 6 to 8 feet, similar spread.

Conditions: pt sun to pt shade, moist-medium to medium-dry soils