Sevenbark
Hydrangea arborescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Hydrangea arborescens is a native deciduous shrub found across the eastern United States, producing white flower clusters from June through August. This adaptable plant thrives in partial shade and attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Sevenbark is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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
36"–72" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sevenbark is a native deciduous shrub that produces clusters of white flowers from June through August. It has attractive exfoliating bark and grows in a rounded form, making it suitable for foundation plantings and mixed borders.
Growing Sevenbark
Grow Sevenbark in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sevenbark is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- May appear sparse in winter without leaves
Wildlife value
Host plant for brown hooded owlet moth, hydrangea sphinx moth.
The summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, providing nectar during peak growing season. Birds may use the dense branching structure for nesting cover.
Common questions
- Where is Hydrangea arborescens native to?
- Hydrangea arborescens is native to much of the eastern United States, including states from Alabama and Florida north to Vermont and New York, and west to Oklahoma and Missouri.
- When does Sevenbark bloom?
- Sevenbark blooms during the summer months of June, July, and August, producing clusters of small white flowers.
- What pollinators visit Hydrangea arborescens?
- Hydrangea arborescens attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles that visit its summer flower clusters.
- What growing conditions does Sevenbark prefer?
- Sevenbark grows well in partial shade to shade conditions and can tolerate a range of moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.
- Is Sevenbark toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Sevenbark 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 Sevenbark toxic to cats?
- Yes. Sevenbark 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.
- Is Sevenbark HOA-friendly?
- Sevenbark is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Sevenbark and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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