Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC.

Sourwood; Sorrel Tree

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Sourwood is a native deciduous tree in the Heath family (Ericaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Sourwood grows in dry rocky woods, in pine or mixed pine and hardwood stands, in hardwood forests, on bluffs, and along streams. It is a deciduous tree growing to a height of 60-90 feet. It marginal habitats it may be a multi-trunked shrub or small tree 15-20 feet in height. The bark is dark gray or reddish brown and deeply furrowed. The sap is sour tasting. Leaves are alternate, elliptic to ovate, with serrate margins. Sourwood has brochidodromous venation (pinnately veined where the secondary veins do not terminate in the leaf margin but form arches or loops). The flowers are produced in terminal panicles composed of arching racemes. Flowers are white, urceolate (urn shaped), fragrant, and pubescent. The flowers are somewhat similar to those of Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis Linnaeus) and an alternate common name for this species is Lily of the Valley tree. The fruit is a capsule. Sourwood is often used as an ornamental for its vivid autumn color. Leaf color ranges from vivid red through salmon, pink, and yellow. Sourwood flowers are attractive to bees, and Sourwood honey is much prized. Sourwood grows best in well-draining acidic soils. Best flowering and fall color occur on plants growing in full sun. Sourwood is often available from nurseries. It can also be grown from seed planted in the autumn, or from cuttings of semi-hardened twigs taken in early summer.--A. Diamond

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Native G5 (Global Rank)

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