Oak-leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia, Travels Carolina: 382 (1791))

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Author: W.Bartram

Bibliography: Travels Carolina: 382 (1791)

Year: 1791

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hydrangea

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A.

Description

The Oak-leaf hydrangea, known scientifically as Hydrangea quercifolia, is a remarkable and versatile deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae. Acclaimed for its distinctive foliage and ornamental value, this plant occupies a special place in the flora of the southeastern United States.

William Bartram, a notable botanist and explorer, documented the Oak-leaf hydrangea in “Travels Carolina” in 1791, providing one of the earliest scientific descriptions of the species. His observations highlight the plant’s adaptability and unique characteristics that have since garnered the admiration of gardeners and botanists alike.

Hydrangea quercifolia is renowned for its large, lobed leaves, which bear a striking resemblance to those of oak trees, hence its common name. These leaves undergo a dramatic seasonal transformation, presenting a lush green palette in the spring and summer that shifts to a dazzling array of reds, purples, and bronzes in the autumn. This fall display is one of the Oak-leaf hydrangea’s most celebrated features.

In addition to its attractive foliage, the Oak-leaf hydrangea produces large, conical clusters of flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The blossoms start out a pure white and gradually turn a rich pink or even a deep rose as they mature and age. These flowers not only add aesthetic appeal but also serve as an important nectar source for pollinators.

Growing well in a variety of soil types, from well-drained loam to rich, moist soils, Hydrangea quercifolia is a resilient plant that can thrive in both sun and partial shade. It is often used in landscaping for its ability to provide seasonal interest and structure to gardens and natural areas. Additionally, its bark peels in winter, revealing a rich, cinnamon-brown layer underneath, thereby adding textural interest even during the dormant season.

Whether used as a specimen plant, in a mixed border, or for naturalized planting, the Oak-leaf hydrangea’s exceptional foliage, stunning flowers, and adaptability make it a valued addition to any garden setting. Through Bartram’s exploration and documentation, this extraordinary shrub was introduced to the broader botanical community, where it continues to be celebrated for its enduring beauty and ecological contributions.

Common Names

Deu: eichenblättrige hortensie
Swe: flikhortensia
Por: hortênsia
Eng: oak-leaf hydrangea, oakleaf hydrangea
En: Oak-leaf hydrangea, Oakleaf hydrangea, Oak-leaved hydrangea
Ar: هدرانج بلوطي الأوراق
Fi: Tammihortensia
De: Eichenblättrige Hortensie
Pt: Hortênsia
Sv: Flikhortensia

Synonyms

• Hydrangea angulata (Tausch)
• Hydrangea radiata (Sm.)
• Hydrangea quinquefolia (D.Dietr.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Derk Joester (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Salomon NOHRA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Dave Darwall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Angie Baltz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Aimee Leigh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Derk Joester (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 8, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Yanina Medina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2019 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Jessica (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 8, 2022 by An Pan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Ralph Coleman (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2020 by Julien Gheraert (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 3, 2019 by Rebekah Williams (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by val Boud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Barefoot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2022 by yut miz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:791666-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2985993)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrangea quercifolia W. Bartram)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 4.6