Quick answer: Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is native to 23 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, moist soils |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Aug |
| Height | Up to 10 ft, typically 3-6 ft |
| Wildlife value | Larval host for Hydrangea sphinx moth, conspicuous flowers |
none noted (suckers freely/spreads, not labeled invasive)
Lookalike alert
Cultivar only ('Annabelle' / 'Invincibelle Spirit II') in all 6 states; no wild-type packet found anywhere.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Smooth hydrangea
Where is Smooth hydrangea native?
Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is native to 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Smooth hydrangea bloom?
Smooth hydrangea blooms May-Aug. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Smooth hydrangea need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Moist. Soil: Rich, well-drained, moist soils. Mature height: Up to 10 ft, typically 3-6 ft.
Is Smooth hydrangea good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Larval host for Hydrangea sphinx moth, conspicuous flowers.
Is Smooth hydrangea deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Smooth hydrangea is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Smooth hydrangea seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Smooth hydrangea.
- Inland sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium
- Fragrant sumac Rhus aromatica
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- White turtlehead Chelone glabra
- Yellow passionflower Passiflora lutea
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