Physocarpus Opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold‘ 3 Gal

Ninebark 'Dart's Gold
Physocarpus opulifolius 

Striking foliage color on a compact, mounded shrub. Large maple-like leaves emerge bright golden yellow in spring, age to lime green, then take on a golden hue with a bronze tint in fall. Small white flowers bloom in dense clusters, followed by small red fruit. Exfoliating bark on mature branches provides intriguing winter interest. Deciduous.

Species is a WNC Native and a wonderful shrub that deserves to be used more widely in the landscape. They attract bees, butterflies, pollinators, and songbirds. Physocarpus opulifolius is heat and drought tolerant once established, and can tolerate occasional flooding making them excellent choices for streambanks and rain gardens. Use them massed in problematic areas. They are also fantastic in butterfly gardens, native gardens, pollinator gardens, wildlife gardens, and more!

⭐Recommended to Plant: Ninebarks are listed on the City of Asheville Recommended Species List (2022).

🦋Host plant & Nectar plant for butterflies and moths. 34 different species of moths in NC have been found using these as host plants, including the showy Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia), and Blind-eyed Sphinx (Paonias excaecata). In NC, they are notable nectar plants for the colorful Aphodite Frittillary butterfly (Argynnis aphrodite), and the Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly (Argynnis cybele).

🐦Attracts Birds! According to the Audubon Society, Ninebark can attact Cardinals, Chickadees, Jays, Mockingbirds, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, New World Sparrows, Thrushes, Vireos, Waxwings, Wood Warblers, Wrens.

🌳Juglone tolerant - Ninebarks can be planted near Black Walnut trees.

Sun to partial shade.

4-5'T x W

Zones 3-7, cold hardy down to -40F.

💚Plant Nerd: The common name of "Ninebark" comes from the peeling bark, most noticeable on thicker branches in winter, that can appear to be at least 9 layers deep. The Latin genus name, Physocarpus, is a reference to the puffy inflated red fruits. 

Dart's Gold Ninebark is the pollen parent of Physocarpus opulifolius 'Center Glow'.