The Panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) belongs to Hydrangeaceae (the Hydrangea family). It is a small deciduousl tree that is native to Japan, as well as the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Taiwan and China. This tree grows in forest edges, grasslands, screes and marshes, and can reach 2-5 m in height. The eaves are elliptic to ovate-elliptic and opposite or 3 whorled. The large panicles are borne and the white flowers bloom from July to August. They have a few neuter flowers. This is one of first appearing species after logging in temperate forests. The Japanese name "Nori-utsugi" comes from the bark of this tree from which the glue used to make washi paper is taken. It is called "水亞木" in Taiwanese and "圓錐綉球" (yuan zhui xiu qiu) in Chinese.
The photos 43rd-47th and 53rd-55th show the horticultural variety 'Minazuki', native to Japan and cultivated for a long time.