Sourwood
(Oxydendrum arboreum)
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
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Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nova | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Oxydendrum_arboreum_Kwaśnodrzew_amerykański_2019-07-20_01.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Oxydendrum arboreum, commonly known as Sourwood, is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, particularly found in the Appalachian Mountains. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soils of open woodlands and forest edges. As a member of the Ericaceae family, it associates with oak-heath forests, where it contributes to the region’s biodiversity. Sourwood typically grows to 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall with a trunk up to 50 cm (20 in) diameter, featuring a narrow, oval to pyramidal crown.
Sourwood is celebrated for its ornamental value, showcasing elongated clusters of fragrant, white, lily-of-the-valley-like flowers in summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers give way to distinctive seed capsules that persist into winter, adding further interest. In autumn, its foliage turns fiery shades of red, orange, and purple, making it a standout for fall color. It is used in lawns, parks, and naturalized areas. Sourwood requires minimal maintenance once established and is relatively pest and disease-free, though it can be susceptible to leaf spot and twig blight. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture for optimal growth. Sourwood is not tolerant of urban pollution or soil compaction, and it does not transplant well due to its deep root system.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sourwood is celebrated for its ornamental value, showcasing elongated clusters of fragrant, white, lily-of-the-valley-like flowers in summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers give way to distinctive seed capsules that persist into winter, adding further interest. In autumn, its foliage turns fiery shades of red, orange, and purple, making it a standout for fall color. It is used in lawns, parks, and naturalized areas. Sourwood requires minimal maintenance once established and is relatively pest and disease-free, though it can be susceptible to leaf spot and twig blight. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture for optimal growth. Sourwood is not tolerant of urban pollution or soil compaction, and it does not transplant well due to its deep root system.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-25 feet
- Width: 10-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and forest edges in the Appalachian Mountains, with acidic, well-drained soils
Other Names
Common Names: Lily-Of-The-Valley Tree, Sorrel Tree, Sorreltree
Scientific Names: , Oxydendrum arboreum, Andromeda arborea, Lyonia arborea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC.