Consider-the-Lilies Web Gallery
Eastern Ninebark
I
find it very interesting that some
lilies are designed to adapt to a range of environmental challenges.
One adaptation I've observed is the reaction to environmental conditions that restrict a plant's height.
I've noticed this adaptive flexibility in some roadside flowers on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Cut back by the Park Service lawnmowers all through the summer, they are not inhibited in their blooming and seed production—even if it occurs just a shortened few inches off the ground.
Some examples of this adaptation to these environmental challenges in the Gallery are Queen Anne's Lace, Chicory, and Butter-and-eggs.
Another adaptation I've recently noticed is a flora's reaction to natural challenges in its immediate micro-environment, as is the case with this native flowering shrub, the Eastern or Atlantic Ninebark.
Although often seen reaching 10-feet in height in other locations, this community of Ninebark, perhaps stunted by the inhospitable habitat afforded by a crack in this limestone cliff, is reduced to a height of just a few inches above the "ground."
Nevertheless—like the roadside lilies—it, too, displays its beautiful blooms and berries, as if it had reached its greater full height
Well below its typical height, this stunted Physocarpus opulifolius shrub has produced an array of lovely blossoms, which are followed by equally special seed pods.
The derivation of the common name is interesting: As it matures Ninebark bark continually splits, leaving ragged pieces hanging from the branches as if it is continuing to reveal new bark—perhaps "nine" times—thus the common name, Ninebark.
(There is a another variety that doesn't split and shed so heavily, thus its name, Atlantic Threebark. Just kidding!)
The botanical name, however, is not tied to the beautiful blossoms, nor to the shedding bark; instead the binomial names refer to the shrub's unusual brilliant red seed pods and the shape of the foliage.
The prefix Physocarpus describes the bladder shape of the fruit.
The suffix opulifolius refers to the similarity in the shape of Ninebark and Viburnum opulus leaves.
Viburnum is a European ornamental shrub found in many yards in North America.
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OR
Go back to the Main Directory to consider more lilies of the field.