Hydrangea arborescens (Native)

Habitat: moist, rich woods in floodplains or upland, streambanks

Wildlife Value: Flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds. It is the host plant of the hydrangea sphinx moth.

Notes: Suckering. Fast-growing and short-lived, this hydrangea is often treated as a perennial and cut to the ground every winter. Very effective in mass plantings. Can grow in areas of poor drainage.It blooms on new wood and can be pruned back close to the ground in late winter to encourage vigorous stem growth. At the very least, weak and damaged stems should be removed in early spring. Blooms persist as dried flowers. Super popular with pollinators. Can be planted in partial shade where it brightens up dark spaces. Good for cut flowers. Very easy to grow.