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Mountain hydrangea

How to identify Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)

Mountain hydrangea

Mountain hydrangea displays a robust yet petite stature compared to its kin, featuring a dense, bushy form that can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in both height and spread. Its leaves, on the smaller side, complement uniquely structured flower heads which present both tiny central florets and conspicuously larger ones around the perimeter, giving a lace-like appearance. Depending on the soil's acidity, blooms exhibit a spectrum from blue to pink hues. Certain varieties of mountain hydrangea also produce mophead blooms, where the flower clusters are globular rather than flat-topped.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Mountain hydrangea

1

Robust bushy form, reaching 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and wide.

2

Distinct lacecap flower with varying blue to pink hues based on soil acidity.

3

Acuminate leaves with serrated edges and unique vein patterns.

4

Mophead blooms available, showcasing globular flower clusters.

5

Small central florets surrounded by larger showy florets in flower heads.

Mountain hydrangeaMountain hydrangeaMountain hydrangeaMountain hydrangeaMountain hydrangea

Detailed Traits of Mountain hydrangea

Leaf Features

Mountain hydrangea leaves are acuminate, meaning they taper to a point. They display a finely to coarsely serrate edge and are dark green and usually glabrous (smooth and hairless) on the top surface. The veins on the underside often feature short hairs that either curl or lie flat against the leaf. This distinctive vein pattern makes the leaves easily identifiable. Typically, the leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, enhancing their notable presence.

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Flower Features

Mountain hydrangea flowers exhibit a distinctive lacecap form, featuring large, showy florets around the edge and smaller, fertile florets at the center. Flower color varies based on soil pH, turning blue in acidic soils and pink in alkaline conditions. Blooms are generally 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter. The petals are delicately arranged, creating an elegant display. Blooming typically occurs from late spring to early summer. The flowers lack a noticeable scent.

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Mountain hydrangea and Their Similar Plants

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Bigleaf hydrangea vs. Mountain hydrangea: What's The Difference?
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
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Panicle hydrangea vs. Mountain hydrangea: What's The Difference?
The panicle hydrangea is native to Japan and China. It is commonly used as a winter cultivated flower due to its hardiness. This small tree can grow between 91 cm and 5 m with a maximum diameter of 2.5 m. Its leaves contain cyanide and should not be ingested.
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Smooth hydrangea vs. Mountain hydrangea: What's The Difference?
Smooth hydrangea (*Hydrangea arborescens*) is a deciduous shrub, naturally found on streambanks, gorges, and wooden slopes in many parts of Northern America. It is commonly recognized by its showy inflorescences - big white corymbs which bloom during summer. Smooth hydrangea is often cultivated as an ornamental, and it is an excellent choice for a border plant.
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Oakleaf hydrangea vs. Mountain hydrangea: What's The Difference?
The oakleaf hydrangea is native to the southeastern United States, generally found from North Carolina down to Florida. Discovered by William Bartram in the 1770s, it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens as well as parks.
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Climbing hydrangea vs. Mountain hydrangea: What's The Difference?
Climbing hydrangea is named for its growth form, as its aerial rootlets allow it to climb walls, trees, and other structures. It can be grown in shady corners and has good resistance to rabbits and drought. Its bark has a history of use as a writing medium. Note, however, that this plant is moderately toxic when ingested.
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Blue evergreen hydrangea vs. Mountain hydrangea: What's The Difference?
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Oakleaf hydrangea 'Snow Queen' vs. Mountain hydrangea: What's The Difference?
Oakleaf hydrangea 'Snow Queen' is distinct for its very showy white blooms. A cultivar of Hydrangea quercifolia, its name refers to those flowers. Gardeners love this plant for its large, dense, upright flower heads and its oak-like leaves that turn bronze-purple and red.
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Identify Mountain hydrangea easily and quickly
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Key Facts About Mountain hydrangea

Attributes of Mountain hydrangea
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
1.2 m
Flower Color
Pink
Blue
White
Purple
Red
Violet
Stem Color
Green
Red
White
Purple
Pink
Blue
Orange
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Mountain hydrangea

Family
Hydrangea
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Species
Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
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Distribution Map of Mountain hydrangea

Mountain hydrangea is indigenous to the mountainous regions of Eastern Asia. It has been successfully introduced and cultivated in parts of the Indian subcontinent. Mountain hydrangea thrives across a range of temperate zones, where it has adapted to both its natural and introduced environments, enjoying popularity in horticulture beyond its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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