Oakleaf Hydrangea
The Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a shade-loving shrub native to the Southeast. This plant has year-round interest with oak-like leaves, white spire-shaped blooms, and gnarled cinnamon-brown branches in winter.
The Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a beautiful woodland shrub with blooming spires of color from late spring through summer. The plants large dark-green leaves and gnarled branches branches add to its whimsical form.
Scientific Description: The Oakleaf Hydrangea is a member of the Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea) Family. While this family ranges across Asia and North America, this species is home to the Southeastern United States. The Oakleaf has oak-like dark leaves and pyramidal blooms (called panicles) appearing in late spring to early summer. These blooms remain throughout the season, slowly fading from a creamy white to pink—in the fall, this becomes tan. The leaves also turn a vivid red-purple in autumn before dropping. The plant’s bark exfoliates, meaning aging branches shed bark to reveal rich cinnamon-colored stems inside. A large-sized shrub, the Oakleaf grows to a height of 4-8 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide. The multi-stemmed plant thrives in dappled sunlight and part sun but can also tolerate full sun across its northern range. You’ll likely find this species naturally in moist, rich woodlands and near streambanks. Once established, these plants can also tolerate periodic drought!
Habitat Value: The Oakleaf Hydrangea provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Interestingly enough, this not from the large showy flower-like structures called bracts. Not actually real flowers, these do not have nectar. There are much smaller, green flowers underneath that the pollinators feed upon. Songbirds enjoy seeds from the Oakleaf. The large shrub also provides shelter for small animals and insects. It’s important to note that deer may also occasionally browse the plant.
The Oakleaf Hydrangea is sometimes considered one of North America’s most beautiful shrubs, and I couldn’t agree more! Invite this beauty to your home and support native systems.
