Identification: Oakleaf hydrangea favors calcium-bearing soils and
grows in open hardwood forests. Shrubs are up to 8′ (2.4 m) tall, and about the same around. Bark is cinnamon-colored
and felt-like, peeling when older. Leaves
are dark green, opposite, lobed like oak leaves, longer than they are wide, up to 1′ (30 cm) long. In the fall, the leaves are attractively
colored, including a deep red-violet. Large (up to 1′ (30 cm)) flower
clusters contain many cream-colored, white or pinkish flowers. Individual flowers are about 1″ (2.5 cm) around.
Fruits are small brown capsules. See this Hydrangea comparison table.