Western N. America, S. Alaska to S. California, east to Montana and Utah
"Pacific ninebark provides good cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals but has low palatability when browsed by deer, elk and bear." [1]
"It has ornamental value for the wild garden or open woodland. Although considered toxic by some, Pacific ninebark was used as an emetic, purgative and laxative by Native Americans." [1]
"Pacific ninebark’s fibrous roots and capacity to root from un-rooted cuttings make it suitable for soil bioengineering techniques including live stakes, fascines and brush mats. It is particularly valuable for streambank and lakeshore stabilization applications." [1]
[1] PACIFIC NINEBARK Physocarpus capitatus (Pursh) Kuntze. Gonzalves, P. and Darris, D. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, Corvallis, Oregon. https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_phca11.pdf