Plant · GBIF taxon 2985994
Hydrangea macrophylla
hydrangea macrophyllaAlso known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Hortensia
Bigleaf hydrangeas are robust deciduous shrubs famous for their dramatic, rounded flower heads that change color based on soil chemistry. Their large, serrated, glossy green leaves provide a lush backdrop for these summer blooms, which range from deep blue in acidic soils to vibrant pink in alkaline conditions. Native to coastal Japan, they have become iconic garden features worldwide, thriving in moist, semi-shaded environments.
FloweringDeciduousOrnamental
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Deer
- Slugs
- Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat loss in native range, powdery mildew, and extreme frost
HabitatsCoastal valleys, moist woodlands, and cultivated gardens
Life span30 to 50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCornales
- FamilyHydrangeaceae
- GenusHydrangea
- Specieshydrangea macrophylla
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- All parts contain cyanogenic glycosides; do not ingest and keep away from pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains hydrangin, a cyanogenic glycoside that releases toxic cyanide when chewed, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by its large, opposite, coarsely serrated leaves and massive globose or flattened flower clusters.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when pruning if you have sensitive skin, and ensure pets do not chew the leaves or stems.
Responsible observation
- Soil Testing: Adjust soil pH to influence bloom color, aiming for acidic for blue and alkaline for pink.
- Pruning Care: Prune immediately after flowering in late summer, as blooms develop on the previous year's wood.
- Watering: Maintain consistently moist, well-draining soil to prevent the large leaves from wilting in afternoon heat.
Close Relative Alvesgaspar / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Hedwig Storch / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Eric in SF / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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