Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © jeffgarner (iNaturalist #216198810)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Hydrangeaceae
- Genus:
- Hydrangea
- Species:
- Hydrangea quercifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- HYQU3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Southern beet webworm moth (Herpetogramma bipunctalis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- red, purple, bronze
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
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
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)