Pacific Ninebark

Day 18: Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) derives its name from the multiple parchment-like layers of its bark. Even on a pencil-sized twig, sheet after sheet can be peeled away before reaching the active growing layer (cambium). The wood of Ninebark is very resilient and flexible regardless of its diameter and was used by Native peoples in the Pacific Northwest to construct toy bows for tribal children. Regarded by many as poisonous, the bark can in fact be brewed as a tea and used medicinally as a purgative/laxative.

The flowers of Ninebark are small and numerous, appearing in clustered, rounded heads. The petals are white, accented with many pink-tipped stamens to give a "fuzzy" appearance overall.