Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
Family Saxifragaceae

Characteristics:
* Leaves deeply lobed, resembling oak leaves, white-hairy beneath, 6-8".
* Twigs very red, hairy. Bark flaky.
* Flowers white, 4-petalled, in cone-shaped clusters.
* Height: To 6'.

Natural History:
* Flowers June - July.
* Fruits October - December.
* Habitat: Escaped from cultivation.
* Range: Connecticut to southern United States.
* Native.

Connections!
* Hydrangea twigs are poisonous to livestock, but are sometimes eaten by white-tailed deer. Wild turkeys enjoy the fruits.

* The color of hydrangea flowers depends on the plant's ability to absorb aluminum ions from the soil. Less aluminum makes the flower more red; more makes it blue. In limy soils, aluminum is countered by iron, which makes the flowers pink.