Climbing hydrangea
Hydrangea anomala

Family: Hydrangeaceae

What it is like

A shrub or vine. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 12 m high. The stem is stout and twining. The leaves are oval or sword shaped. They are bright green with teeth along the edge. The flowers are yellowish white. They occur in rounded clusters.

There are about 80-100 Hydrangea species.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It needs rich, moist soils. It needs a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Nepal, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The leaves are crushed and eaten fresh with miso. They taste like cucumber. The boiled leaf was used to make a kind of syrup. The sap is sweet and drinkable.

Edible parts

Leaves, sap

How it is grown

They are grown from hardwood cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Kathmora, Sema-kung, Tsuru-ajisai

Synonyms

Hydrangea altissima Wall.;