Smooth Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea, Sevenbark
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Cornales, Family: Hydrangeaceae, Genus: Hydrangea, Species: Hydrangea arborescens · Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Hydrangea arborescens (likely 'Annabelle' cultivar)
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea family)
Shape
Ovate to broadly ovate, often with a cordate (heart-shaped) or rounded base and an acuminate tip
Size
3 to 7 inches long and 2 to 6 inches wide, which aligns with typical dimensions for this species
Margin
Coarsely serrate (toothed)
Arrangement
Opposite (paired along the stem)
Rarity
Very Common (extremely popular ornamental shrub and widely cultivated)
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark lime-green on upper surface, slightly paler underneath, with smooth uniform coloration without distinct variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with prominent midrib and curved lateral veins creating a slightly quilted appearance
Texture & Surface
Matte, soft to slightly coarse, non-glossy, thin and papery to slightly leathery
Description
A popular deciduous shrub growing 3 to 6 feet tall with a rounded, suckering mound habit. Features large, opposite, coarsely toothed broad leaves and showy, spherical flower clusters (corymbs) that open pale green, turn bright white, and mature back to jade green before drying to tan.
Key Features
Opposite, broad ovate-cordate leaves with serrate edges, thin texture, paired with iconic large rounded white-to-green inflorescences and slender light brown twigs
Habitat
Moist, rich woods, rocky slopes, ravine bottoms, streambanks, and widely cultivated in home gardens in partial shade to full sun with adequate moisture
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, from New York to Florida, west to Iowa and Oklahoma; widely planted ornamentally across temperate regions globally
Condition Notes
Overall Good to Excellent condition; vibrant green coloration with minor herbivory (small insect holes) on a few foliage surfaces, typical mid-to-late summer appearance
Interesting Facts
The common name 'Sevenbark' comes from the peeling multi-layered bark on mature stems. The wild form has smaller, flat lacecap flowers, whereas cultivated forms like 'Annabelle' produce massive sterile mophead flower globes.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used by Native Americans and early settlers as a diuretic and for kidney stones (root extract). Primarily used today as a highly popular ornamental landscape shrub.
Ecological Role
Fertile flowers in wild varieties provide nectar and pollen for native bees and pollinators; cultivars with mostly sterile flowers provide cover and garden structure.
Similar Species
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea, which has thick glossy foliage and blue/pink flowers depending on soil pH) and Hydrangea paniculata (Peegee Hydrangea, which has panicle/cone-shaped flower clusters and firmer foliage).
Foraging Tips
Look in moist shaded woodlands or gardens in mid-summer; identified by opposite rounded serrate leaves and massive globe flower heads. Not harvested for food due to toxicity.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Contains hydrangin (a cyanogenic glycoside) which can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy if ingested by humans, cats, or dogs.