Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

▲▼ large shrub, post-flowering with dried flowers remaining

▲▼ young shrubs, showing oak-like leaves and coppery-red hairs on new stem growth

▲▼ young shrubs, showing oak-like leaves and coppery-red hairs on new stem growth

Location on campus:  in triangle bed northwest of Carrington Hall

Hydrangea quercifolia:  Oakleaf Hydrangea

      leaves opposite, simple, deciduous, 3-7 lobed in a general ovate shape, like an oak leaf; dark green and glabrous above, white to brown pubescent underneath; 3-8" long and 2/3 to equally wide

      stems stout and brown pubescent when young; older stems have prominent lenticels and exfoliating cinnamon-colored bark; pith light brown

      flowers have sterile showy and fertile less showy flowers in terminal clusters in mid summer; start out white, to purplish pink, then brown; flowers on current season’s growth

      grows 4-6' tall and equally as wide in a rounded outline; produces root suckers to spread more laterally

      prefers cool soils, sun to part-shade and moist, well-drained soil— mulch well

      slow to medium growth rate

      native to southeastern U.S.