Ninebark
(Physocarpus opulifolius)

Ninebark is a Missouri Botanical Garden Plant of Merit and is interesting all year round.  In May, the shrub is covered with balls of white flowers, which fade to a lovely rosy pink.  Butterflies and bees feast on the abundant nectar.  In the fall, birds gobble the reddish seeds.  During winter, the bark peels away in paper-thin strips revealing red and light brown inner bark;  it's this habit that gives ninebark its common name.

The large shrubs at the rear of the shady garden in front of the Center are ninebark.  Although the flowers resemble spirea, ninebark is actually a member of the rose family.