Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim. var. intermedius (Rydb.) B.L. Rob. Opulaster intermedius Rydb. Physocarpus intermedius (Rydb.) C.K. Schneid. Atlantic ninebark, common ninebark
Atlantic ninebark is native to eastern North America and the prairie states. The plants are found on moist soils in thickets, along streams in sand or gravel bars, and on rocky slopes and bluffs. Michael Dirr (1997) says that “the species is adaptable to all conditions, probably even nuclear attacks, and once established, requires a bulldozer for removal.” Plants: This shrub has multiple stems resembling grapevines, with peeling bark that is brown when young and turns gray with age. The bark peels in strips, and is the source of the common name ninebark: the apparently inexhaustible supply of bark suggests the plant has “nine lives.” They are 24-84" (60-213 cm) high, with stems up to 1" (2.5 cm) around. Leaves: Simple and alternate, 1½-5" (3.8-12 cm) × 1-3" (2.5-7.6 cm). Leaves are usually 3-lobed, sometimes 5, linear to narrowly ovate to obovate, dark green above, lighter below. Flowers: Flowers form round or dome-shaped clusters ¾-2" (1.9-5.7 cm) around at branch tips, with flowers ⅜-⁷/₁₆" (1-1.2 cm) around and 5 round white or pink petals, and 30-40 stamens. They appear primarily in Jun, with fruiting Jul-Sep. (Accounts vary on flowering and fruiting, with some sources listing May-Jul for both flowering and fruiting.) Fruits: Flat or inflated dehiscent seed pods. Online References:
Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius on (Word document) Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius at Minnesota Wildflowers Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius on Wikipedia Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius on the Encyclopedia of Life Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius on eFloras References:
Dirr, Michael A., Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs, Timber Press, 1997 8/2/2008 · Bar Harbor, Maine Physocarpus opulifolius var. intermedius description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020. © FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved. |
8/17/2014 · Bald Mountain, Franconia Notch Area, White Mountains, New Hampshire 9/24/2010 · Nissitissit River Wildlife Management Area, Pepperell, Massachusetts 9/24/2010 · Nissitissit River Wildlife Management Area, Pepperell, Massachusetts 9/24/2010 · Nissitissit River Wildlife Management Area, Pepperell, Massachusetts 8/17/2014 · Bald Mountain, Franconia Notch Area, White Mountains, New Hampshire Range: Zones 2-8:
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