Smooth Hydrangea (also known as Wild Hydrangea, Sevenbark)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Cornales, Family: Hydrangeaceae, Genus: Hydrangea, Species: Hydrangea arborescens · Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Hydrangea arborescens
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea family)
Shape
Ovate to elliptical with an acuminate (pointed) tip and rounded to cordate base
Size
The larger visible leaf is approximately 4 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, which falls well within the typical species range of 3 to 6 inches in length.
Margin
Serrate (finely to coarsely toothed)
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Pressed specimen showing muted dark green coloration on the leaves and dried papery cream-to-tan colors on the persistent flower head.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with prominent, depressed veins on the upper surface and raised veins beneath
Texture & Surface
Papery due to pressing, naturally slightly rough or puberulent beneath
Description
Hydrangea arborescens is a rounded, upright deciduous shrub typically growing 3 to 5 feet tall. It features large, flat-topped clusters of small white flowers (corymbs) backed by simple, opposite, deep green leaves with sharply toothed margins. The specimen shown is a pressed herbarium-style mounting of both foliage and an aged, dried inflorescence.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, ovate shape with sharply toothed (serrate) margins, pointed tips, and flat-topped clusters of flowers.
Habitat
Understory of deciduous forests, rocky wooded slopes, along streams, and moist ravines, preferring partial shade to full shade and rich, moist soil.
Geographic Range
Native to the eastern United States, ranging from New York south to Florida, and west to Iowa, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Condition Notes
Pressed and preserved botanical specimen in good, stable condition with some clear tape affixed over parts of the stem and leaves.
Interesting Facts
The common name 'Sevenbark' refers to the plant's peeling bark, which sheds in thin, papery layers revealing multiple colored layers underneath.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used by Native Americans and early settlers for urinary tract issues and kidney stones. Widely cultivated as a popular ornamental garden shrub with numerous improved cultivars like 'Annabelle'.
Ecological Role
Provides cover and nesting sites for small birds and insects. Flowers offer nectar to native pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Similar Species
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), which has larger, cone-shaped flower clusters and typically more pointed leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look along shaded woodland edges and stream banks in early summer when the large white flower clusters are in full bloom.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic. All parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides which can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested in large quantities by humans or pets.