Learn More
Get Involved
Sourwood

Sourwood

Oxydendrum arboreum

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

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

Scientific Name

Oxydendrum arboreum

Common Name

Sourwood
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
April-August

Ecological Role

Flowers provide pollen for pollinators, namely bees.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Habitat Types

Forest

Geographic 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.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

Contribute Your Observations

Have you spotted this species? Your observations help us track populations and understand behavior patterns.

Submit an Observation