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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Hydrangea quercifolia Bartr.
Oakleaf hydrangea, Oak-leaf hydrangea
Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea Family)
USDA Symbol: HYQU3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A mound-shaped shrub, 3-12 ft. tall. Multiple stems are sparingly branched with picturesque canes. Older stems are exfoliating to reveal a rich, brown inner bark. The showy inflorescence of greenish flowers, turns white then purplish and persists on the bush until mid-winter. The foliage, shaped something like that of red oak, becomes colorful in fall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green , PurpleBloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , DC , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , TNNative Distribution: FL Panhandle & GA to LA
Native Habitat: Damp woods; river banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Susceptible to sunscald, chlorosis in alkaline soils, and winter dieback. Many weak, brittle canes are easily broken in wind and ice. Forms colonies from a shallow root system. Canes can be cut to the ground every two or three years to keep the shrub smaller, but if the canes are allowed to grow, the naturally peeling bark is attractive. Pest free. Prune immediately after flowering.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Low.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed or cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken early. Asexual propagation is the usual means of propagation because of a wide variability in seedlings.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seeds require no sepcial treatment but need careful handling because they are so small.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native plant to replace invasive non-native nandina in Houston
February 28, 2010
I'm just now finding out that Nandinas are an invasive species from our local chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. I have three of them in my front yard and want to replace them. Can you sug...
view the full question and answer
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC
Campbell Family Nursery - Harmony, NC
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Georgia Native Plant Society - Atlanta, GA
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy WasowskiBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1998 VOL. 15, NO.5 - Native Shrubs Providing Landscape Heritage and Habitat, Executive Director\'s Re...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Hydrangea quercifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Hydrangea quercifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hydrangea quercifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-18Research By: TWC Staff
