Hydrangea, Oak Leaf

Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly called oak leaf hydrangea, is an upright, broad-rounded, suckering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6 (less frequently to 8) tall. It is native to bluffs, moist woods, ravines and stream banks from Georgia to Florida to Louisiana. It is noted for producing pyramidal panicles of white flowers in summer on exfoliating branches clad with large, 3-7 lobed, oak-like, dark green leaves. Genus name comes from hydor meaning water and aggeion meaning vessel in reference to the cup-like capsular fruit. Specific epithet is in reference to the leaves that look like those of Quercus (oak). Garden Uses Mass or group in a mixed shrub border or naturalize in a native plant or open woodland garden. Also may be used for backgrounds, accents or specimens, foundation plantings or hedges.