Pacific Ninebark
Physocarpus capitatus
Pacific Ninebark is a dense, spreading deciduous shrub growing 1 to 2.5 meters tall. The multiple woody stalks are covered in a peeling reddish-gray to dark brown bark. The bountiful shiny green foliage is composed of many maple-like leaves. The veined, toothed leaves, 3-14 cm wide, have five shallow, palmate lobes. The tiny, creamy white flowers bloom in many domed clusters, 7-13 cm wide. Each flower has five petals, which surround a yellow stained center from which sprout many thin, red-tipped filaments. The glossy fruit is a red pod, about 6 mm long, which browns, dries out and then splits to release the seeds.
Basic Information
Member of the Rosaceae, rose, family
Deciduous, perennial shrub
Habitat
Native to central California north to southern Alaska and east to Montana and Utah
In California, it is primarily found on the north side of the Coast Ranges and Sierras
Found in moist, riparian forests, woodlands, and wetlands
Often found on moist banks and north face facing slopes below 5000 ft of the elevation
Ecological Role
Provides good cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals
The seeds are eaten by birds
Used in restoration projects as its roots are good for bank stabilization, it can grow from cuttings, it is tolerant of direct sun, and can shade out invasive species
Reproduction
Blooms from May to July
Alternative Names
Tall ninebark
Historical Uses
Numerous tribes, such as the Bella Coola, Kwakiutl, and Hesquiat, used the bark, raw or as a decoction, to induce vomiting
Emetic, causes vomiting
Used as an antidote, or purgative, for poisoning
Also acts as a laxative
The Miwok ate the raw berries
The Hesquiat also used a decoction of the bark as a wash for rheumatic pain and fever and as a dye to darken cedar bark
Also used the wood to make children's bows
The Wintoon and Karok used the straight shoots to make arrows
The Tolowa squeezed and popped the seeds from the pod as part of a game
