// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Wild Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a shrub in the Hydrangeaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–9a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms May–Aug.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 26 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–9a
Mature size: 4'–10'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: May–Aug
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native hydrangea · lacecap white blooms · woodland edge

Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) — *Hydrangea arborescens* — Wild Hydrangea. Photo by H. Zell via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a shrub in the Hydrangeaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–9a. Mature size 4'–10'. Blooms May–Aug.

Why it's on this list: native hydrangea · lacecap white blooms · woodland edge. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, wild hydrangea pairs naturally with: American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), American Plum (Prunus americana), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus).