An attractive ornamental with a rounded crown of spreading branches, drooping clusters of flowers resembling Lily-of-the-valley in the summer, and glossy foliage that turns crimson in the fall. The name “Sourwood” refers to the sour taste of the foliage. Height: 25-30’ Spread: 15-20’
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Oxydendrum
Species: Oxydendrum arboreum
Habitat
Forest
Distribution
Native to eastern North America, from southern Pennsylvania south to northwest Florida and west to southern Illinois; it is most common in the lower chain of the Appalachian Mountains.
Seasonality
Spring, Summer, Fall
Abundance
Common
Activity Time
Diurnal
Diet
Behavior
Ecological Role
Flowers provide pollen for pollinators, namely bees.