[Wikipedia] Etymology, Uses: The common name 'ninebark' comes from the appearance of the flaky bark, seeming to have many layers. Pacific ninebark was used as an emetic and a laxative by indigenous groups. The stems were used to make children's hunting bows and small items such as needles; straighter shoots were used to make arrows. The bark was mixed with cedar bark to make a dark brown dye. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)