06/05/2026
Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea barbara, synonym Decumaria barbara) is a native vine with shiny, oval leaves that has recently been reclassified as Hydrangea. Native throughout the state – although not present as much in the coastal areas – this vine has thick leaves oppositely arranged on the stem which is a good way to quickly separate this hairy vine from poison ivy.
Tiny, cream-colored fragrant flowers appear in late spring (May-June) in a flat-topped, terminal inflorescence. Seeds are a dry capsule. Vines can climb up to 30 feet. Sometimes the vine acts as a groundcover, but it needs to climb in order to bloom.
