Sourwood Common Name: Sourwood Botanical Name: Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood Plant family: Ericaceae Location: Tulip Tree Trail Growing zone: 5-9 Height: 15-25 ft. Spread: 12-15 ft. Bloom time: May, June Bloom description: Pendulous chains of creamy white flowers bloom on the edges of the twigs in summer. The urn-shaped blooms appear at a time in the summer when many flowering species are beginning to fade. It is a great choice for a summer garden plant. Leaf type: The dark-green, shiny leaves curl up around a prominent midvein. The leaves really stand out when fall progresses and the dark green changes to shades of scarlet and burgundy. Garden uses: Sourwood is a prime choice for a small specimen tree. If room and space allow, try growing a small grove of these trees for a magnificent fall display. It can also be a great addition to a wood’s edge, as the late blooms will stand out against the green shades of late summer. Wildlife benefits: Numerous species of pollinators visit the blooms, so keep this in mind when siting the tree. A frequent visitor is the honeybee, which makes the popular sourwood honey valued for its sweet taste.
