Wild Hydrangea; Hydrangea arborescens

This is lacy-flowered wild shrub a relative of the large flowered blue or pink ornamental variety which is frequently planted in yards. The large white flowers on the edge of the flower head are sterile and are used as "attention getters" to attract pollinators to the smaller fertile flowers. These flowers were blooming in Oak Ridge in mid-June. The shrub grew on such a steep slope that I had to hold a thick honeysuckle vine to keep from falling. That's one good use for honeysuckle! Perennial - Shrub Where seen:Big South Fork NRRA, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Frozen Head SP, Norris Dam SP, University of Tennessee Arboretum, Oak Ridge Greenways, Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness, Big Ridge SP, Cumberland Trail