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Phlox Subulata (moss pink) in landscape. Photo © Elaine Mills
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Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood)

Persistent fruit (capsules) of Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood) in April.
Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood) bark in June
Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood) flowers with honey bee
The flowers of the decorative native Oxydendron arboreum (sourwood) resemble lily-of-the-valley, and produce nectar from which honey bees produce a highly valued honey. The flowering tree and visiting bumble bee were photographed in the Sunny Garden on July 5, 2015. Photo © 2019 Mary Free.
Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood) fruit and fall foliage
Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood) fall foliage
Sourwood fruit in November.Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood) tree at the Sunny Garden in december

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Though native to parts of the Mid-Atlantic Region,* Sourwood is more common in the South, including Virginia’s southern half. In residential landscapes, this decorative tree offers year-round appeal: lily-of-the- valley-like flowers,** breathtakingly brilliant fall foliage, persistent fruit capsules and reddish color twigs. Tree Early Summer/Fall Tree; Flowers, Fruit, Fall Foliage Height: 20–50 feet Spread: 10–25 feet Bloom Color: White Characteristics Slow-growing, deciduous tree with straight trunk and irregular, somewhat pyramidal habit Finely-toothed, oblong glossy green leaves Showy, fragrant white bell-shaped flowers on 6- to 8-inch spikelets from June to July Persistent light yellow to grayish fruit capsules Brilliant fall foliage from shades of red to eggplant Green and red twigs; drooping branches; deeply furrowed and ridged gray bark on mature trees Attributes Intolerant of dense shade, lime soil, compacted soil, root disturbance, poor drainage, flooding, drought, and air pollution; no serious pests or diseases; deer seldom severely damage except for new growth Winter interest Ethnobotanic uses; bees produce a choice, highly valued honey from the flower nectar Attracts bees, wasps & sometimes butterflies, moths Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Acidic, well-drained soil Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist More prolific flowers/colorful foliage w/ more sun Use as ornamental specimen, patio tree Excellent Replacement for Acer ginnala - Amur Maple Ailanthus altissima - Tree of Heaven Paulownia tomentosa - Princess Tree Vitex agnus-castus - Chaste Tree *Though not native to DC or NoVA, it is indigenous to a few counties in MD and PA, besides the southern half of VA. ** A honey bee and bumble bee are foraging among the flowers. Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills (top right) and Mary Free, Sunny Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic 

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Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood)

Though native to parts of the Mid-Atlantic Region,* Sourwood is more common in the South, including Virginia’s southern half. In residential landscapes, this decorative tree offers year-round appeal: lily-of-the valley-like flowers, breathtakingly brilliant fall foliage, persistent fruit capsules and reddish color twigs.

*Though not native to DC or NoVA, it is indigenous to a few counties in MD and PA, besides the southern half of VA. 

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

 
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