Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 'Anny's Gold' (PBR)

Names

• Synonyms

  Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, Eastern Ninebark, Common Ninebark.

• Common names

  Physocarpus opulifolius 'Anny's Gold' (PBR).

Toxicity

• To humans

  Ninebark, including the cultivar Physocarpus opulifolius 'Anny's Gold', is generally recognized as non-toxic to humans. There is no widely reported toxicity or known symptoms associated with ingesting parts of this shrub, and it is not commonly listed among poisonous plants. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can occur, so it is always good practice to avoid ingesting plant material that is not intended for human consumption.

• To pets

  Ninebark, like the 'Anny's Gold' variety, is generally not considered toxic to pets, such as dogs or cats. It does not appear on common toxic plant lists provided by organizations such as the ASPCA. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest parts of a ninebark plant, there is no specific poisoning or symptoms typically expected to occur. Nevertheless, it is still advisable to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants since individual sensitivities could cause mild stomach upset or other digestive issues.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Yellow

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Spread

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal - The Ninebark 'Anny's Gold' is known for its striking golden foliage and clusters of white to pinkish flowers, making it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
• Low Maintenance - It is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for those looking for low-maintenance gardening options.
• Drought Tolerance - Ninebark 'Anny's Gold' can tolerate periods of dryness, which is beneficial in areas prone to drought or for gardeners interested in water conservation.
• Seasonal Interest - The plant provides year-round visual interest with its spring blossoms, summer foliage, and peeling bark in the winter, adding aesthetic value throughout the seasons.
• Pest and Disease Resistance - It is generally resistant to many common pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical treatments.
• Wildlife Attraction - Its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while its seeds are a source of food for birds, enhancing local biodiversity.
• Erosion Control - With its extensive root system, Ninebark 'Anny's Gold' is effective at stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes.
• Adaptability - It adapts well to a variety of soil types and is tolerant of different pH levels, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
• Privacy Screen - When planted in groups or as a hedge, it can create a dense privacy screen or windbreak in landscaping, adding to its functional benefits.
• Native Plant Advantages - As a variety of a native species, it can thrive in local conditions and can be easier to integrate into regional ecosystems.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• As a natural dye: The bark and leaves of Ninebark can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
• Instruments crafting: The wood of Ninebark can be used to create small musical instruments or parts of them due to its hardness and fine grain.
• Erosion control: Ninebark can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil with its root system.
• Support for climbing plants: Ninebark's sturdy branches can serve as natural support for vining plants or climbing roses in a garden setting.
• Photography: Its distinctive golden foliage offers a picturesque backdrop for photographers, particularly in autumn when the leaves change color.
• Decoy plant: Ninebark can be used to distract pests away from more valuable plants in the garden, acting as a sacrificial plant.
• Frost protection: When planted strategically, Ninebark can protect more vulnerable plants from frost by mitigating the cold with its dense foliage.
• Woodworking projects: Small woodworking projects like picture frames or jewelry boxes can be made using Ninebark wood for its unique texture.
• Seasonal decorations: Branches of Ninebark can be used in floral arrangements or as part of fall and winter decorations due to their interesting seed pods and exfoliating bark.
• Bird habitat: Ninebark shrubs provide a habitat for birds, offering shelter and nesting sites, as well as winter interest in the landscape.

Feng Shui

The Ninebark is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Ninebark is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Resilience: The ninebark, as it is commonly known, is a hardy shrub that can tolerate a wide variety of conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive despite challenges.
• Adaptability: Ninebark's versatility in landscaping reflects the symbolism of adaptability, showing that one can prosper in different environments and situations.
• Romantic Attraction: With its vibrant foliage, especially the 'Anny's Gold' variety, ninebark can symbolize attraction and the brightness of emotion, much like the way its leaves catch the eye in a garden.
• Transformation: The 'Anny's Gold' variant of ninebark goes through a beautiful transformation in leaf-color as seasons change, representing personal growth and transformation over time.
• Protection: Traditionally, some believed that ninebark had protective qualities, its dense and rugged nature stands as a symbol for shelter and safety.