Physocarpus sp.
Ninebark, Ninebark
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Physocarpus sp. (Ninebark) is a native California shrub in the Rosaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Physocarpus sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Physocarpus sp. belong to?
Physocarpus sp. is in the Rosaceae family, genus Physocarpus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.