Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Hydrangeaceae
Genus:
Hydrangea
Species:
Hydrangea quercifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
12-20 ft
Light Requirements:
Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul
Bloom Colors:
White, Green, Purple
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Southern beet webworm moth (Herpetogramma bipunctalis)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers organic matter-rich soils

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Seeds were collected in Natchez Trace Parkway, between mile marker 52 and 53 by B.B. Billingsley, Jr in November 4, 1993 and November 18, 1994. The plant is generally found from Florida and Georgia to Louisiana, north to Kentucky and Tennessee.

Source: npn.rngr.net