Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Hydrangea arborescens L.
Wild hydrangea, Sevenbark
Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea Family)
Small, mound-shaped, densely multi-stemmed
shrub, 3-6 ft. tall, wild hydragea is often broader than high at maturity. The flat-topped clusters of delicate, greenish-white flowers are the
deciduous shrub’s main landscape feature. Some flowers are so heavy as to weigh the
stem to the ground. Fall foliage is insignificant.
Image Gallery:
10 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MA , MS , MO , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV , DC
Native Distribution: S. NY to s.e. MO, s. to FL, LA & OK
Native Habitat: Rich woods; rocky slopes; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(I) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Rich, well-drained, moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Wild hydrangea suckers freely, creeping over large areas. It is susceptible to sunscald, chlorosis in alkaline soils, and winter dieback. Many weak, brittle canes are easily broken in wind and ice. Fast-growing and short-lived, this hydrangea is often treated as an
herbaceous perennial and cut to the ground every winter. If the canes are allowed to grow, the naturally peeling
bark is attractive. The plant will need supplemental watering in hot, dry summers.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Hydrangea arborescens is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2009-02-18
