Oxydendrum arboreum (Sour Wood)

Oxydendrum arboreum (Sour Wood) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It is known for its attractive foliage, late summer flowers, and vibrant fall colors. Here are some key features and characteristics of Oxydendrum arboreum:

Appearance: Sourwood is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters) with a narrow, pyramidal or oval-shaped crown. It has a straight trunk with grayish-brown bark that develops shallow furrows and ridges as it matures. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong, with serrated edges. They have a glossy dark green color in summer and turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall.

Flowers: Sourwood produces clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers that appear in late summer (July to August) and early fall. The flowers have a delicate appearance and a pleasant fragrance. They are an important nectar source for bees, particularly honeybees, and are highly valued for producing a unique, aromatic honey known as sourwood honey.

Fall color: One of the main highlights of Sourwood is its stunning fall foliage. The leaves transition to vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple, creating a spectacular display of autumn colors.

Landscape use: Sourwood is highly valued as an ornamental tree for its attractive foliage, late-season flowers, and fall color. It can be planted as a specimen tree in gardens or used in naturalized landscapes. Its smaller size makes it suitable for residential yards or smaller spaces.

Maintenance: Sourwood is generally low-maintenance once established. It benefits from regular watering, particularly during dry periods, and mulching around the base of the tree to help retain moisture. Pruning is typically not necessary unless shaping or maintenance is desired.