Sourwood Tree

The Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a small- to medium-sized flowering ornamental tree with multiple seasons of interest. It has a delicate canopy that is narrowly pyramidal in shape and a slim trunk. In the spring, finely toothed glossy green leaves appear on the branches before the flowers bloom in early summer. The flowers bloom for 3-4 weeks and are fragrant, urn-shaped and creamy white, appearing in drooping, one-sided panicles at the tips of the branches.  

In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of crimson red to dark purple, creating the ideal autumn display. Silver-gray capsules also emerge in the fall following the flowers, contrasting well with the red to purple leaves and keep on the tree into the winter. The bark on mature trees provides winter interest with its gray, fissured, ridged, and scaly texture.  

The Sourwood Tree is native to the southeastern states in the U.S. excluding Florida. The leaves of this tree have a sour flavor to them, hence the name, and is used by mountain climbers as a thirst quencher in a pinch. This tree is a great specimen standing on its own with its brilliant fall color display and summer flower bloom. Its smaller size also makes it ideal for small yards that need some pop to them. It does not do well in urban or dry conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and rich, acidic, moist soils that are well-drained.