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Oxydendrum arboreum

Sourwood (Sorrel Tree)

The gray bark on mature trees is fissured, ridged, and scaly. The leaves have a sour taste, hence the common name. Finely toothed, glossy, green foliage turns to crimson-red in the fall. The waxy, lily-of-the-valley-like, white blooms are followed by brown capsules.

  • »  Irregular habit, both in shrub or tree form, maturing pyramidal
  • »  White urn-shaped flowers droop on one-sided panicles
  • »  Developing ovaries extend flowering season
  • »  Flowers lead to dried brown capsules which persist into the winter
  • »  Obovate to elliptic leaves are mid-green above and paler below on reddish twigs
  • »  Gray bark is fissured, ridged and scaly
  • »  Fall colour is orange to red
  • »  Bloom Time: Summer
  • »  Flower Size: 5 mm

1gal
$34.50
5gal
$210.00
B&B in Container Low Inventory
$294.00
  • Category:Shrubs
  • Hardiness Zone:5
  • Height:8-10 m
  • Spread:8-10 m
  • Bloom Color: White
Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Growth Rate
Slow
Attributes
Deciduous
Drought Tolerant
Fall Color
Long Blooming
Flowering Time
Summer
Habit
Pyramidal
Tree form
Upright
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape uses
Screening (privacy)
Specimen
Woodland/woods edge
Planting instructions
Container Plants
Additional Information about Oxydendrum arboreum

The leaves have a sour taste, hence the common name.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Oxydendrum arboreum

An excellent ornamental shade tree with brilliant fall colour, best grown in a slightly acidic soil. Some pruning may be necessary when plants are young to encourage a formal shape.