In-Depth Description
Hydrangea quercifolia, commonly called Oakleaf Hydrangea, is an upright, suckering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub native to bluffs, moist woods, ravines and stream banks from Georgia to Florida to Louisiana. It is noted for producing pyramidal panicles of white flowers in summer on exfoliating branches clad with large, 3-7 lobed, dark green leaves. The specific epithet, Oak Leaf, is in reference to the leaves that look like those of Quercus (oak). ‘Alice’ was introduced into commerce by Michael Dirr through his Georgia Plant Introduction Program. Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate more sun than mophead (macrophylla) and lacecap hydrangeas, as well as being winter hardy farther north than its “fussy” cousins.
