Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Hydrangeaceae

Genus:

Hydrangea

Species:

Hydrangea quercifolia

USDA Symbol:

HYQU3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

250 cm

Light Requirements:

Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

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

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fall Color:

red, orange, burgundy

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown following fire or mechanical damage.

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 — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI