Smooth Hydrangea - Hydrangea arborescens

This is native to Southern Illinois, though not strictly to the Greater Chicago area. I can do fine here, especially with climate change.

Features: This hardy, fast-growing shrub provides nectar and pollen to a wide range of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. This attractive plant makes gardens both beautiful and ecologically useful. The more sun it gets, the more moisture it needs.

Light: shade, partial shade, full sun

Soil: medium to moist 

Height: 3 to 5 ft.

Width: 3 to 5 ft.

Blooms: late spring

Flower color: white

Fall color: yellow

Special note: pollinator hot spot, loved by birds

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plant Database

Photos: 1, 3 Possibility Place; 2 Illinois Wildflowers