This article will address the topic of Physocarpus, which has been the subject of interest and debate over the years. In today's society, Physocarpus plays a fundamental role in various aspects of daily life, influencing everything from the way we relate to others to our decisions on a personal and professional level. This topic has aroused the curiosity of academics, specialists and the general public, due to its relevance today. Along these lines, different points of view and approaches on Physocarpus will be explored, with the aim of providing a complete and enriching perspective that allows the reader to better understand the importance of this topic in today's society.
Physocarpus | |
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Physocarpus opulifolius | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Rosales |
Family: | Rosaceae |
Subfamily: | Amygdaloideae |
Tribe: | Neillieae |
Genus: | Physocarpus (Cambess.) Raf. 1836 |
Species | |
6-20, see text |
Physocarpus, commonly called ninebark, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, native to North America (most species) and northeastern Asia (one species).
Physocarpus are deciduous shrubs with peeling bark and alternately arranged leaves. The leaves are palmate with 3 to 7 lobes and often toothed edges. The inflorescence is a cluster of bell-shaped flowers with 5 rounded white or pink petals and many stamens. The fruit is a flat or inflated dehiscent follicle.
Physocarpus opulifolius is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Several cultivars have been bred, particularly for foliage of varying colors, including 'Dart's Gold' and 'Luteus', which have yellowish leaves, and 'Monlo' and 'Seward', which have reddish purple foliage.
There are six to 20 species in the genus. They include:
The genus name Physocarpus comes from the Greek word for "bladder fruit", referring to the inflated fruits of some species. The common name 'ninebark' refers to the peeling bark of mature branches, which comes away in strips.
Propagation is by seeds sown as soon as ripe or they can be stored dry in airtight containers in a cool place for up to a year and then sown. Plants can be divided in the early spring, with a sharp spade or even an axe, chopping right through the middle. Softwood and hardwood cuttings are easy to root.
Garden writers describe few if any problems, but it is not unheard for armies of aphids to attack some varieties. Some seaside specimens exhibit powdery mildew in summer.