Physocarpus capitatus
A dense deciduous shrub with an attractive vase shape and striking exfoliating bark that peels in reddish strips to reveal lighter inner layers. The leaves are maple-like, with three to five lobes and serrated edges, and turn warm tones of red or rose-brown in autumn. Dense, rounded clusters of small white flowers with red-tipped stamens appear in late spring and give way to inflated reddish pods that dry to brown.
Plants establish well in moist soils but develop reasonable drought tolerance once mature. They thrive in sun or part shade and adapt to various soil types. The extensive root system makes this shrub valuable for stabilizing slopes and banks. Suitable for hedges, screens, mixed borders, and naturalistic plantings. Can be cut back in winter to rejuvenate growth. Native to western North America from Alaska to California.
Growing Conditions
Light: full sun to part shade
Moisture: moist to average
Soil: moist to average; adaptable
Hardiness zone: 5
Maintenance: low to moderate
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 200
Spread (cm): 200
Habit: vase-shaped multi-stemmed
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: April–June
Seasonal interest: spring flowers; summer seed heads; autumn color; winter bark interest
Foliage: green turning red-brown
Flower: white with red stamens
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: pollinators; nesting birds; small mammals
Deer/Rabbit resistance: moderate
Habitat: hedges; screens; slopes; mixed borders; wetland edges
Features: exfoliating bark; maple-like foliage; drought-tolerant once established; stabilizes soil; autumn color
Notes: extensive root system; adapts to various soils; cut back in winter to rejuvenate; native to Alaska to California