This hardy shrub is displaying clusters of papery fruits along the South Walk.
A member of the rose family (Rosacaea) the genus Physocarpus numbers approximately 10 species of Asian and North American shrubs with terminal corymbs of white flowers in early summer, and with peeling bark on their multiple stems. Physocarpus opulifolius is noted for its glabrous, flaking bark, from which it has derived the common name ninebark. A native of eastern North America this species can reach 3m in height and spread, and has tri-lobed, doubly toothed foliage. The white flowers have a pink tinge, and are followed by dense clusters of small, bladder-like fruits, each with three to five pods terminating in a horn-like structure at the apex.