Family: Ericaceae
Author: (L.) DC.
Bibliography: Prodr. 7: 601 (1839)
Year: 1839
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Oxydendrum
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. U.S.A.
Description
Sourwood, also known by its scientific name Oxydendrum arboreum, is a noteworthy member of the Ericaceae family. This remarkable tree is native to the eastern regions of the United States, where it contributes significantly to the local flora. Sourwood trees are celebrated for their visually appealing features and their adaptability to various environmental conditions.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Sourwood is its foliage. The leaves are elongated, slender, and known for their pleasingly sour taste, which is the origin of the tree’s common name. In autumn, the Sourwood’s leaves transform into a vibrant display of reds, oranges, and purples, creating a breathtaking sight in any landscape.
The tree produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are white and hang in clusters, resembling the shape of lily-of-the-valley flowers. These blooms appear in the summer months and attract an array of pollinators, including bees, which are particularly drawn to the tree. The nectar from Sourwood flowers is famously used to produce sourwood honey, a prized delicacy known for its unique flavor.
The bark of the Sourwood is another distinctive feature. It starts off smooth and gray when the tree is young but develops a rugged, furrowed texture as it ages. This adds to the tree’s ornamental appeal, making it a favored choice for natural landscaping and gardens.
Oxydendrum arboreum thrives best in well-drained, acidic soils and requires minimal maintenance once established. It often grows in mixed hardwood forests and along ridges and slopes, where it can reach impressive heights. Its preference for full sun to partial shade makes it a versatile option for various planting sites.
In summary, Sourwood is a versatile and attractive tree with many desirable traits. Whether admired for its stunning autumn foliage, its delicate summer flowers, or its distinctive bark, this species is a valuable addition to the natural environments of eastern United States. Introduced in scientific literature as early as 1839, it continues to be appreciated for both its aesthetic and ecological contributions.
Common Names
Eng: lily-of-the-valley tree, sorrel tree, sorreltree, sourwood
En: Sourwood, Sorreltree, ᏅᏙᏇᏯ, Lily-of-the-valley tree, Sorrel tree
Zh: 酸模樹
Hr: Kiselo drvo
Cs: Kysloun stromový
Fi: Muikopuu
De: Sauerbaum
Lv: Skābeņkoks
No: Syretre
Fa: اکسیدندرام
Pl: Kwaśnodrzew amerykański
Ru: Оксидендрум
Es: Kislikavec
Synonyms
- Andromeda arborea (L.)
- Lyonia arborea ((L.) D.Don)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Illinois (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jul 14, 2015 by EOL − Johnny Wilson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristen Van Neste (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Mary McMahan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 30, 2009 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by whoa nice plant (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 31, 2005 by EOL − Bruce K. Kirchoff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2005 by EOL − Bruce K. Kirchoff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Kat L. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Kat L. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Meagan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2021 by David Reynolds (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2022 by c sny (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 15, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2009 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2009 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2020 by Meagan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882708)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1175876-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 4.0