Hydrangea arborescens, or wild hydrangea, is a native, non-invasive deciduous perennial shrub in the saxifrage family found in all eastern states except those in northern New England and west through Kansas and Oklahoma, and throughout every county in West Virginia. It is short-lived and fast growing, reaches 3-6 ft. in height, and is often broader than tall. It inhabits stream banks, rocky slopes, and rich woods in partial shade, preferring moist, rich, well-drained soils. It flowers in June, July, and August with flat-topped greenish white clusters, also blooms in the fall with less showy flowers, and produces brown fruits. It may not grow well in alkaline soils and is susceptible to scalding in the sun and damage in winter. It serves as a nectar source and larval host for hydrangea sphinx moths. The Cherokee used it for many ailments, including relieving menstrual pains, treating burns, stopping vomiting, alleviating high blood pressure and stomach pain, and making tea from peeled branches and twigs.