Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a perennial shrub native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Oakleaf Hydrangea is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-07-02). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
48"–96" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Oakleaf hydrangea is a native deciduous shrub found on shady bluffs, ravines, and stream banks in the Southeast, from the Florida Panhandle through Georgia's Piedmont into the Appalachian and loess-bluff terrain of Tennessee. It produces large cone-shaped flower clusters that open white in early summer and age to pink and tan, held above deeply lobed, oak-shaped leaves that turn red, orange, and burgundy in fall. Mature bark peels to reveal a cinnamon-colored underlayer.
Growing Oakleaf Hydrangea
Grow Oakleaf Hydrangea in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 48 to 96 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Oakleaf Hydrangea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- Top growth can die back in a hard freeze at the northern edge of its range and returns from the base in spring
Wildlife value
Summer flower clusters draw bees and butterflies during peak bloom (UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions); the shrub's understory structure provides cover in its native shaded-slope habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Oakleaf Hydrangea need?
- Oakleaf Hydrangea grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Oakleaf Hydrangea bloom?
- Oakleaf Hydrangea blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Oakleaf Hydrangea native?
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Oakleaf Hydrangea toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Oakleaf Hydrangea is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Oakleaf Hydrangea toxic to cats?
- Yes. Oakleaf Hydrangea is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Oakleaf Hydrangea attract?
- Oakleaf Hydrangea draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Oakleaf Hydrangea HOA-friendly?
- Oakleaf Hydrangea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Oakleaf Hydrangea and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz