Physocarpus opulifolius

Physocarpus opulifolius is a shrub native across the southeast, although occurring with less frequency in the southernmost coastal plain. It is often found naturally in wetland areas and near streams. It prefers soils that are moist, and can tolerate flooding. It grows best in full sun to part shade. This shrub has beautiful clusters of pink and white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the late spring/early summer and attract many pollinators. The fruits produced in late summer are eaten by birds. Mature plants have characteristic reddish-brown peeling bark. Physocarpus opulifolius works well as a specimen plant in a yard or rain garden, or for use in restoration plantings.