Question: Hi, I just posted my photos of what I believe to be a wild hydrangea aborescens on the 'recent sightings' …
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Question
Hi, I just posted my photos of what I believe to be a wild hydrangea aborescens on the 'recent sightings' area of this website. The photos are from last summer. I think I have a wild hydrangea growing along the border of our property. It's so full and pretty during the summer and I love how it fills out and flowers. I just want to confirm it is a hydrangea and to know it's type. I am also curious to know if it's invasive or is it a welcome plant in my yard. Any information is most appreciated.
Answer
Dear tmor4, the plant you have photographed is likely Swida alternifolia (alternate-leaved dogwood), a native shrub in New England. The fact the leaves are crowded near the apex and the blades borne of long petioles are identifying features of this plant. Notice that the leaf blades are entire (i.e., without teeth). If these were a species of Hydrangea, the leaf blades would have toothed margins. I wrote "likely" a few sentences ago because I do not know where these images were taken and there may be similar species in other parts of the world (i.e., outside of northeastern North America). Please always include the location of your images to help with the identification.
