Family: Hydrangeaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 397 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hydrangea
Vegetable: False
Observations: NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Sevenbark (Hydrangea arborescens), a species described by Linnaeus in 1753, is a notable member of the Hydrangeaceae family. This resilient deciduous shrub is indigenous to the eastern and central United States. Known for its robust adaptability and ornamental qualities, Sevenbark thrives in diverse conditions, often found inhabiting woodland edges, rocky slopes, and along streams where it can capitalize on both moisture-rich and well-drained soils.
The plant’s common name, Sevenbark, is derived from its unique characteristic of having strikingly layered bark that peels away in multiple, varying-hued strips, creating an interesting visual contrast on the older stems. This peeling bark is not only eye-catching but also contributes to the plant’s appeal throughout the year, giving it textural interest even during the dormant winter months.
Hydrangea arborescens is renowned for its lush, green foliage and large, globular clusters of delicate white flowers, which typically bloom from early summer to late summer. These flowers can sometimes age to a subtle shade of green or pink as they mature, adding another layer of visual interest. Gardeners and landscapers value Sevenbark for its minimal maintenance and ability to provide continuous seasonal beauty.
Beyond its ornamental use, Sevenbark has cultural and medicinal significance. Indigenous peoples in North America historically utilized parts of the plant for various therapeutic purposes, although modern usage has diminished. Its roots and leaves were often incorporated into remedies for kidney and bladder issues, demonstrating its integral role in traditional herbal medicine.
Environmentally, Hydrangea arborescens supports local wildlife, particularly attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, which find ample nectar in its blossoms. This interaction aids in the propagation of flowers and the overall health of diverse ecosystems where Sevenbark resides.
Overall, Sevenbark is a resilient, aesthetically pleasing shrub that offers ecological benefits and historical significance. Its adaptability and stunning seasonal displays make it a cherished addition to gardens, natural landscapes, and restorative planting schemes across its native range in North America.
Common Names
Eng: sevenbark, smooth hydrangea, tree hydrangea, wild hydrangea
Deu: wald-hortensie
Fra: hortensia de virginie, hortensia en arbre, hydrangelle arborescente
Swe: vidjehortensia
Nno: vierhortensia
Nob: vierhortensia
En: Sevenbark, Smooth hydrangea, Wild hydrangea, Tree hydrangea
Ar: هدرانج شجيري
Bg: Дървовидна хортензия
Zh: 树状八仙花
Cs: Hortenzie stromkovitá
Da: Træagtig hortensia
Nl: Sneeuwbal
Et: Puishortensia
Fi: Pallohortensia
Fr: Hortensia de Virginie, Hortensia en arbre, Hydrangelle arborescente
De: Wald-Hortensie
Hu: Cserjés hortenzia
Ko: Migugsugug
Lt: Šviesioji hortenzija
Nb: Vierhortensia
Nn: Vierhortensia
Pl: Hortensja krzewiasta
Ru: Гортензия древовидная
Sv: Vidjehortensia
Zh-tw: 樹狀八仙花
Synonyms
- Hydrangea vulgaris var. cordata ((Pursh) Torr.)
- Hydrangea nivea var. conformis (Ser.)
- Viburnum alnifolium (Marshall)
- Hydrangea frutescens (Moench)
- Viburnum americanum (Mill.)
- Hydrangea glauca (Raf.)
- Hydrangea acuta (Raf.)
- Hydrangea arborescens var. cordata ((Pursh) Torr. & A.Gray)
- Hydrangea arborescens var. australis (Harb.)
- Hydrangea amplifolia (Raf.)
- Hydrangea urticifolia (Dippel)
- Hydrangea paniculata (Raf.)
- Hydrangea viburnifolia (Salisb.)
- Hydrangea arborescens var. grandiflora (Rehder)
- Hydrangea laevigata (Steud.)
- Hydrangea arborescens var. vulgaris (Ser.)
- Hydrangea arborescens var. kanawhana (Millsp.)
- Hydrangea arborescens f. sterilis ((Torr. & A.Gray) Rehder)
- Hydrangea heterophylla (Raf.)
- Hydrangea arborescens var. oblonga (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Hydrangea arborescens f. vulgaris (C.K.Schneid.)
- Hydrangea arborescens f. grandiflora (Rehder)
- Hydrangea arborescens var. sterilis (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Hydrangea vulgaris var. carnea (Raf.)
- Hydrangea arborescens f. carnea ((Raf.) Uttal)
- Hydrangea vulgaris (Michx.)
- Hydrangea arborescens f. acarpa (H.St.John)
- Hydrangea cordata (Pursh)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- New Brunswick (introduced)
- Nova Scotia (introduced)
- South European Russi (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Jim S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2019 by M M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2019 by John Guglielmi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Sean R (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Dominik Muczyński (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 20, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by first last (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 24, 2021 by LEONARDO NARVAEZ RODRIGUEZ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2022 by mai (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 9, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 21, 2022 by Taylor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2022 by Jacques Patenet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Anil Bhardwaj (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Jutta Tieck (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Ulla Kube (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Dominik Muczyński (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Dominik Muczyński (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2985986)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30010549-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrangea arborescens L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Shrub