PHYSOCARPUS capitatus. Ninebark. This is a creekside native of the rose family, widely distributed in California. It can take many forms. I once grew a nearly prostrate, broadly mounding selection from Tilden Botanic Garden. The current material, however, represents two tall (about 8’), arching individuals found near Cook & Green Pass. These are deciduous shrubs with shredding reddish brown bark. The leaves are 2-3" broad, three-lobed and deeply veined, resembling those of some of the currants (Ribes). They are deep green above, paler beneath. In summer dense umbrella-shaped clusters of small white five-petalled blossoms are borne at the shoot tips. These give way to attractive reddish seed capsules. Sun or light shade, reasonably well drained soil, moderate watering. Hardy to 0^oF. or less.