SUMMER WINE™ Black Ninebark is a form of eastern ninebark that has very dark burgundy, almost black foliage throughout the season and grows to about six feet in height and width with gently arching branches. Eastern ninebark is a deciduous shrub that is native to the south-eastern parts of North America, where it is found along streams and in dry areas such as woodlands and rocky areas. Ninebark is named for its peeling bark on mature branches which reveal lighter bark underneath, although this is only noticeable in winter when the leaves have fallen. In late spring it bears clusters of small pink or white flowers. The plant can be pruned after flowering or cut right back in late winter although pruning is not usually necessary nor advisable. Ninebark is a tough plant and can withstand many gardening challenges such as drought, clay soil, and rocky soil, and is suitable for use in stabilizing eroded slopes. It is also useful as a screen or hedge and in native plant gardens.