Hydrangea and Cramp bark

[AnnettStudent]

Is any hydrangea a good antilithic? And if so, which part of the plant is the medicine?

And can anyone tell me a sure way to tell the difference between hydrangea and cramp bark? I’m unfamiliar with both but I think my neighbor is wanting to get rid of one of them (I can’t tell which it is). Maybe I could move it in my yard and learn to use it:)

[IdahoHerbalist]

Can you post pictures of the plants, preferably in bloom?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

The leaves are very different. Do a google search and click the “images tab” and you can see each. :0)

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

The internet is quite dicey when Identifying plants. I have seen blatant mistakes, not only with plants, but many other things as well.

Be careful with internet picture ID’s. Use a reputable and confirmed site.

[SherylGallant]

The crampbark has bright red berries in the early fall. (These are called “high bush cranberries”. They are also edible and full of anioxidants.)

I don’t believe hydrangea has red berries.

The leaves are different as well but I would go by the berries as leaf structure can be difficult to distinguish just from internet pics.

[IdahoHerbalist]

Many, if not most, cramp bark are sterile and do not produce berries. This is especially true in the nursery trade. I have not seen one with berries yet.

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

Thanks everyone. I think my neighbor has hydrangea so I bought a cramp bark bush from the nursery. Problem is it’s having troubles. I even tell it nice things:) Is there a trick to keeping it alive? Something better than home compost in the ground? I swear I have a purple thumb, not a green one.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Mine has always been really happy. Sorry to not be more help.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

I have one and it is growing SO slow. I even water it.

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

Me too. I’m starting to wonder if I over watered or what the deal is:/

[KelleyStudent]

Remember that a good rule of thumb (green or not) with new perennials, including tees, is…

first year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap!

[AnnettStudentTopic Author]

Really? This IS helpful info!

Thanks.

[Author]

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