Photo by Nikki Krieg
Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia
This native hydrangea can be found in wet areas of our woods and along stream banks. I find it often in the steep woods surrounding St. Francisville, near the Mississippi River. This understory flower is much taller and with a more wild form than most of its Asian relatives typically found at the local nursery. It is a lovely native to add to a back corner of a shade garden or to plant en masse. Its leaves resemble large oak leaves, hence the name. The creamy ivory blooms are giant and fade into lovely blush hues as summer wears on. No shade garden is complete without it.
[Read another Plant Spotlight: American Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis]
