Physocarpus alternans
Nevada ninebark
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Physocarpus alternans (Nevada ninebark) is a native California shrub in the Rosaceae family.
Nevada ninebark is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native shrub found in the White and Inyo Mountains and northern Desert Mountains in dry, rocky pinyon and juniper woodland at elevations of 1,800 to 3,100 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces white flowers in compact clusters with 10 blooms. Growing 50 to 150 centimeters tall with densely hairy stems, it forms a robust and textured shrub with multiple branching points. Its leaves are generally densely hairy with 3 to 7 shallow lobes, typically having a crenate (scalloped) edge and a rich green appearance. The fruit is a small, densely hairy capsule 3 to 4.5 millimeters long, adding to the plant's distinctive texture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 0 sympatric species - geographically isolated in Desert Mountains bioregion
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky pinyon/juniper woodland, limestone outcrops
Elevation: 1800-3100 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono
Outside California: to Idaho, Colorado, Utah
Bloom period
Physocarpus alternans blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Ribes: Physocarpus has umbel-like flower clusters and dry pods; currants have racemes and juicy berries.; vs Rubus: Physocarpus has tiny 2.5-3mm petals and dry pods; Rubus has larger petals and fleshy raspberry-like fruits.; vs Viburnum: Physocarpus has dry splitting pods; viburnum has fleshy drupes.; vs Acer: Physocarpus has rounded flower clusters and follicles; maples have drooping clusters and winged samaras.; vs Sidalcea: Physocarpus has tiny flowers in dense rounded clusters; checkerbloom has larger flowers in elongated spikes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Physocarpus alternans native to California?
Yes. Physocarpus alternans is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Physocarpus alternans bloom?
Physocarpus alternans blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Physocarpus alternans grow?
Physocarpus alternans occurs in Inyo, Mono, at elevations of 1800-3100 m.
What plant family does Physocarpus alternans belong to?
Physocarpus alternans is in the Rosaceae family, genus Physocarpus.
Is Physocarpus alternans rare or endangered?
Physocarpus alternans carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.