Appearance
It is a mound-shaped deciduous shrub with alternate, simple leaves, on arching stems. It has a height from 1–3 m and a spread of 1–2 m. The leaves vary from 3–12 cm in length, with palmately veined lobes.It is fast-growing, insect- and disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant. The species is adaptable to a very wide range of soil and site conditions, from moist to dry, acid to alkaline, and gravelly to heavy clay; and can grow in partial shade to full sun. The 5-petaled, 6–8 mm diameter flowers form in corymbs. The flowers are white to pinkish, blooming from May to June in North America. In Missouri the fruits ripen from August to early October and are small, dry pods hanging in drooping, papery clusters. The bark peels off in thin papery strips, resembling the number nine in shape, exposing brown inner bark which is the origin of the common name.
Habitat
It is a larval host for the dimorphic eulithis, for ''Macaria abruptata'', the white spring moth, ''Ancylis spiraeifoliana'', ''blinded sphinx moth'', and possibly the bluish spring moth. The larvae of the raspberry leafroller have also been recorded on this plant.Uses
The ability of ''P. opulifolius'' to grow in harsh conditions makes it especially suitable for erosion control on banks. But it is also grown for its ornamental foliage. Numerous cultivars have been developed, of which 'Dart's Gold', 'Diabolo', and Lady in Red = ‘Tuilad’ have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Newer cultivars offer different foliage color as well as smaller overall plant size.References:
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