Seven Barks, Wild hydrangea, Ashy Hydrangea, Snowhill Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens

Physical Characteristics

Hydrangea arborescens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New York to Florida, west to Ohio, Oklahoma and Indiana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Stem Edible Uses: The peeled branches and twigs have been used to make a tea[257]. The new growth of young twigs has been peeled, boiled thoroughly then fried and eaten[257].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Cathartic Diaphoretic Diuretic Sialagogue Tonic Seven barks was used by the North American Indians as a remedy for kidney and bladder stones and is still used for these purposes in modern herbalism[254]. It is considered to both encourage the expulsion of stones and to help dissolve those that remain[254]. The roots are anthelmintic, cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and tonic[4, 21, 46, 165, 222, 238]. They are used in the treatment of kidney stones, mucous irritations of the bladder, cystitis, nephritis, enlarged prostate and bronchial afflictions[222, 238, 254]. Excessive doses can cause dizziness and bronchial congestion[238]. The fresh roots are very succulent and can be easily cut, when dry they become very tough and resistant[4]. They are harvested in the autumn and it is best to cut them into short sections before drying them[4, 254]. The scraped bark is used as a poultice on wounds, burns, sore muscles, sprains etc[222]. The bark is chewed in the treatment of stomach and heart ailments[222]. The leaves are cathartic, diuretic, sialagogue and tonic[4].

Known Hazards

Dizziness, chest pain, gastrointestinal distress. Weak potential for sensitization [301].