Oxydendrum arboreum

Sourwood

Oxydendrum arboreum is a native deciduous understory tree prized for its drooping clusters of fragrant, white, lily-of-the-valley-like flowers in early to midsummer and outstanding fall color. Its glossy green summer foliage turns brilliant red, scarlet, orange, and purple in fall, often while the pale seed clusters still hang from the branches. It has a graceful, narrow to pyramidal habit when young, becoming more open and irregular with age. Sourwood is also well known for producing nectar used by bees to make prized sourwood honey.

Type: Deciduous native tree
Mature Size: 20–30 ft. wide × 20–50 ft. tall; occasionally taller in ideal native sites
10-Year Size: About 10–15 ft. wide × 12–20 ft. tall; slow to moderate growth
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Upright, narrow pyramidal when young; open, irregular, rounded to oval with age
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering and fall color in full sun
Soil / Water: Acidic, moist, peaty, well-drained soil; avoid compacted, alkaline, or polluted urban sites; moderately drought tolerant once established but best with even moisture
Bloom Time / Length: June–July; about 2–4 weeks, sometimes later in cooler climates
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects; valuable nectar source for honeybees; seed capsules may provide minor food for wildlife

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent native ornamental tree for lawns, woodland edges, native gardens, acidic soil plantings, and as a small specimen tree. Sourwood is especially valuable for three-season interest: summer flowers, persistent seed clusters, and outstanding fall color. It pairs well with other acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and blueberries.

Care:
Plant young trees rather than large specimens because sourwood does not transplant easily. Use acidic, well-drained soil and mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist. Water during dry periods, especially while young. Avoid high-pH soil, heavy clay, road salt, and polluted urban locations. Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

30-50'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Early Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Acidic, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Provide Shade, Street Tree

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Pyramidal

Bark

Corky

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes