Audubon® Native Ninebark

Eastern Ninebark is a nifty native Accent with much to offer wildlife and nature-lovers alike. Most striking are the white, half-snowball flower clusters that adorn the arching branches in late spring. These pollination platforms attract native bees such as mining bees, as well as beneficial wasps, flies, and butterflies. Birds may graze on the seeds that form later on, and they also forage for caterpillars within the leafy canopy. The spring azure butterfly lays its eggs on Ninebark, as do several moth species, like the Ninebark pigmy, the white spring moth, and the unicorn caterpillar. A wonderful, welcoming shrub!

Ninebark is popular right now, thanks to a plethora of purple-leaved forms that have flooded the market in recent years. Many of these selections are fantastic plants, but their intense purple color can be a little jarring in naturalistic landscapes. In these situations, it’s nice to get back to the original. Our green-leaved Eastern Ninebark is a subtler beauty that’s found in the wild throughout much of the eastern U.S. A lover of cool climates, it’s most common in the Midwest and New England. Ninebark gets its name from its flaky, multihued stems. As they expand, they peel and appear to reveal several (nine) layers of bark.

A fast-growing fountain of a shrub, Eastern Ninebark quickly creates fine nesting habitat for songbirds. The twiggy branches and leafy cover appeal to thicket-dwelling birds, such as song sparrows, cardinals, indigo buntings, catbirds, mockingbirds, and brown thrashers.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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