Hydrangea is a North American deciduous shrub grown as an ornamental
garden plant because of its large, showy blooms. It also occurs
naturally in moist woodlands and along stream banks throughout the east
coast.
The root, dug in the fall, was used Native Americans to prepare teas
and tonics. The Cherokee referred to hydrangea as seven barks because
the bark of the plant’s twigs peel away to reveal a different color with
each layer.
Although the use of hydrangea root was common in 19th century American
herbalism, the plant itself is quite ancient. In fact, there is fossil
evidence of that the herb existed more than 70 million years ago.
