Common ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim.

Family: RosaceaeZones: 2a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

inner bark decoctions in excessive doses (Clemson HGIC)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

toxic in excessive doses (Clemson, no symptoms given)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: neither source makes a pet toxicity statement, and NC State has no poison severity line. For people: Clemson notes bark preparations can be toxic in excessive doses. PlotAndPetal gives no preparation or dosing guidance for this or any plant.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 2a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: low
Mature size: NC State: 5 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide (1.5 to 2.4 m tall, 1.2 to 1.8 m wide) for the species. NC State lists many smaller varieties, for example Lemon Candy 2 to 2.5 ft tall and 2 to 3 ft wide, and Dart's Gold dwarf.
Where it comes from: NC State: central and eastern North America. Clemson: native to the eastern US and to South Carolina.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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