Rough-leaved hydrangea Hydrangea aspera

Names

• Family

  Hydrangeaceae.

• Synonyms

  Rough-Leaf Hydrangea, Hairy Hydrangea, Aspera Hydrangea, Sargent Hydrangea, Villosa Hydrangea.

• Common names

  Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana, Hydrangea aspera var. strigosa, Hydrangea strigosa, Hydrangea robusta.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Hydrangea aspera, commonly known simply as hydrangea, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or broken down during digestion. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing and an increased heart rate. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the hydrangea and to seek medical attention immediately if consumption is suspected.

• To pets

  Hydrangea aspera, commonly referred to as hydrangea, is also poisonous to pets, including cats and dogs. Like in humans, the plant contains cyanogenic glycosides. When ingested in significant quantities, these compounds can break down into cyanide and cause poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate. In severe cases, ingestion can result in convulsions, respiratory failure, and coma. If you suspect that your pet has ingested hydrangea, prompt veterinary care is crucial to manage the toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Spread

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Hydrangea aspera, commonly known as rough hydrangea, adds visual interest to gardens with its large, velvety leaves and showy flower clusters that can range in color from blue to pink, depending on the soil acidity.
• Habitat for Wildlife: The flowers of the rough hydrangea provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the dense foliage can offer shelter for small birds and other wildlife.
• Erosion Control: With its expansive root system, rough hydrangea can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
• Seasonal Interest: Rough hydrangea blooms in the summer and the flowers often remain on the plant as they dry, adding interest to the garden in different seasons.
• Diversity in Landscaping: Rough hydrangea can be planted as part of a mixed border, in woodland gardens, or as a specimen plant, providing diversity in landscape design.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, rough hydrangea is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care other than occasional pruning to maintain shape and health.
• Tolerant of Various Soil Types: Rough hydrangea is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained, moist soils with rich organic content.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Hydrangea aspera may have properties that help reduce inflammation.
• Antimalarial: There are indications that this plant has been used in traditional medicine systems to treat or prevent malaria.
• Diuretic: The roots are believed to have diuretic effects, increasing the passing of urine.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hydrangea aspera can be used as a natural dye plant, yielding varying shades of blue, purple, pink, or gray depending on the pH of the soil it grows in.
• The rough leaves of the Hydrangea aspera can be used as an abrasive in some traditional cleaning practices.
• In some cultures, the wood of the Hydrangea aspera is carved into small items or turned into walking sticks due to its sturdy nature.
• Landscape artists often utilize Hydrangea aspera for its striking foliage and flowers in thematic garden designs, such as woodland settings.
• The Hydrangea aspera may serve as a privacy screen or hedge when planted in a series due to its dense foliage.
• Beekeepers sometimes plant Hydrangea aspera nearby as it’s an attractive plant for bees and can aid in pollination of the garden.
• The plant is utilized in educational settings such as botany programs and arboretums for teaching plant identification and classification.
• Its large, ornamental leaves can be used in floral arrangements and displays, adding a unique texture to the composition.
• Fine artists may draw inspiration from the intricate patterns of the Hydrangea aspera blooms and leaves, using them in works of art.
• In photography, the diverse flowerheads and rich textures of Hydrangea aspera make it a compelling subject for botanical and garden photography.

Feng Shui

The Hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Heartfelt Emotions: The hydrangea's lush and exuberant blooms represent the abundance of emotions and the ability to express deep feelings.
• Gratitude: Historically, hydrangeas have been used to convey thankfulness and appreciation, often given as gifts to express such sentiments.
• Apologies: In some contexts, hydrangeas can symbolize an apology or a request for forgiveness, particularly in Japan where the flower can be associated with remorse.
• Vanity and Boastfulness: Due to its many blooms and sometimes showy appearance, the hydrangea can occasionally represent vanity or an overabundance of self-assuredness.
• Frigidity: In some interpretations, hydrangeas may symbolize disinterest or frigidity, possibly stemming from the flower's historical association with rejection.
• Understanding: The diverse shape and color of hydrangea flowers can also be symbolic of diversity and a deep understanding of someone's complex nature.