Common Name

Sourwood

Scientific Name

Oxydendrum arboreum

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.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threats & Impacts

Notes