Physocarpus are deciduous shrubs with peeling bark[2] and alternately arranged leaves.

The inflorescence is a cluster of bell-shaped flowers with 5 rounded white or pink petals and many stamens.

[23] The common name 'ninebark' refers to the peeling bark of mature branches, which comes away in strips.

Plants can be divided in the early spring, with a sharp spade or even an axe, chopping right through the middle.

Garden writers describe few if any problems, but it is not unheard for armies of aphids to attack some varieties.