Plant · GBIF taxon 7319016
Mountain Hydrangea
Hydrangea serrataAlso known as Tea of Heaven, Sawtooth Hydrangea, Mountain Lacecap Hydrangea
Mountain hydrangeas thrive under the cool canopy of montane forests across East Asia, producing delicate lacecap flower clusters throughout summer. The showy outer sepals shift from deep sky blue to soft magenta depending on soil acidity and aluminum availability. Compact and cold-hardy, these deciduous shrubs offer critical nectar for forest pollinators while adapting gracefully to shaded slopes.
FloweringOrnamentalDeciduous
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic
Predators
- White-tailed Deer
- Snails and Slugs
- Aphids
ThreatsDeforestation, climate change, excessive deer browsing
HabitatsMontane forests, mountain slopes, stream banks, shady woodlands
Life span20–50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyHydrangeaceae
- SpeciesHydrangea serrata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains cyanogenic glycosides; do not ingest any plant parts and keep away from pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains hydrangin and cyanogenic glycosides, which cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and weakness if swallowed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identified by its compact growth, serrated oval leaves, and flat lacecap inflorescences with central fertile florets.
- What to do
- Observe without picking foliage and keep garden specimens out of reach of curious dogs and cats.
Responsible observation
- Flower Color Adjustment: Adjust soil pH to shift flowers toward blue in acidic soil or pink in alkaline soil.
- Optimal Placement: Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil protected from harsh afternoon sun.
- Pruning Time: Prune lightly right after flowering finishes, as blooms develop on old wood.
Close Relative (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · 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 Alvesgaspar / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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