■ Oakleaf hydrangeas have begun blooming in multiple locations around Tokyo. The photos were taken on May 15.
■ Their distinctive features are the large, deeply lobed leaves that resemble oak leaves, and the white flowers that bloom in conical (pyramid-shaped) clusters. Please see the attached photos. The flowering season is generally from May to July.
■ The name Kashiwaba-ajisai (Oakleaf hydrangea) comes from the shape of its deeply cut leaves, which resemble the leaves of the Japanese oak tree known as kashiwa (柏). Likewise, the scientific name “quercifolia” also means “oak-like leaves.”
■ In autumn, the leaves turn beautiful shades of red, purple, and bronze, and their appearance can be enjoyed well into winter.
■ Additional note. Oakleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. Since its origin differs from that of the common Japanese hydrangeas, its flower form has a uniquely striking appearance.
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Genus: Hydrangea
Scientific name: Hydrangea quercifolia
English name: Oakleaf hydrangea (or Oak-leaved hydrangea)
■■ Original Japanese text below:
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Japanese
#OakleafHydrangea #KashiwabaAjisai #GardenTrees
■ 東京の複数の場所でカシワバアジサイが開花しました。撮影は月15日。
■ 特徴はカシワの葉に似た大きな切れ込みのある葉と、円錐状(ピラミッド形)に咲く白い花です。写真参照。開花時期は5月から7月頃。
■ カシワバアジサイ(柏葉紫陽花)の名前の由来は、葉の深い切れ込みの形がカシワ(柏)の葉に似ていることから。下記の学名の「quercifolia」も、「オーク(コナラ属)のような葉」を意味しています。
■ 秋には葉が赤や紫やブロンズ色に美しく紅葉し、冬までその姿が楽しめます。
■ 付記。カシワバアジサイは北アメリカ東南部を原産とする落葉低木です。日本の通常のアジサイとは由来が異なるので、花の形が独特印象的ですね。
アジサイ科 (Hydrangeaceae)。
アジサイ属 (Hydrangea)。
学名: Hydrangea quercifolia。
英名: Oakleaf hydrangea(または Oak-leaved hydrangea)
#カシワバアジサイ #柏葉紫陽花 #庭園木