Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood)

Sourwood seed capsules in May.
Photo © Mary Free
Close-up of sourwood bark.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Native Americans and colonists found medicinal uses for the nectar and sap of Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood). Today, monofloral sourwood honey produced by European honey bees is highly prized.
Photo © Mary Free
Sourwood tree with flowers & pollinators in July.
Photo © Mary Free
Sourwood fruit in October.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Sourwood fruit in November.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic 

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. 

Print Version (Legal Size): Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood)

Oxydendrum arboreum, Sourwood, Tree 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 Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9 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.

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