Sourwood

Oxydendrum Arboreum

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Overview

The Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a deciduous tree, notable for its slender, pyramidal shape reaching 25-30 ft in mature height. It features lanceolate leaves, 5-8 inches long, which turn vibrant red in fall. Delicate, white, lily-of-the-valley-like flowers bloom in early summer, forming drooping clusters up to 10 inches long. This acid soil-loving tree prefers full sun to partial shade and offers excellent fall color and ornamental interest.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 3–9Climate Temperate

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — The Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a deciduous tree

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — pyramidal shape reaching 25-30 ft in mature height

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — It features lanceolate leaves, 5-8 inches long, which turn vibrant red in fall

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — lily-of-the-valley-like flowers bloom in early summer

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — forming drooping clusters up to 10 inches long

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — This ornamental beauty typically reaches a mature height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — showcasing brilliant shades of crimson

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 3–9

Shape & size

Mature height: 20–50 Ft.
Mature width: 10–25 Ft.

Classification

Family: Ericaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (63)

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — The Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a deciduous tree

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — pyramidal shape reaching 25-30 ft in mature height

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — It features lanceolate leaves, 5-8 inches long, which turn vibrant red in fall

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — lily-of-the-valley-like flowers bloom in early summer

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — forming drooping clusters up to 10 inches long

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — This ornamental beauty typically reaches a mature height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — showcasing brilliant shades of crimson

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — they undergo a spectacular transformation

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — botanically named Oxydendrum arboreum

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — though it can occasionally soar upwards of 50 feet under optimal conditions

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — the tree blooms with copious white

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — the Sourwood requires little maintenance and is relatively pest and disease-free

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — careful site selection and preparation are crucial for successful establishment

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — It should be noted that this tree does not transplant easily due to its deep taproot; therefore

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — lily-of-the-valley-like flowers that cascade in 4 to 10 inch long panicles

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — making it a resilient addition to a low-maintenance garden

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — tree with white blooms

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — white flowers in the garden

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — pyramidal shape reaching 25-30 ft in mature height; the tree blooms with copious white

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — The Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a deciduous tree; lily-of-the-valley-like flowers bloom in early summer

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — tree for full or half

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — It features lanceolate leaves, 5-8 inches long, which turn vibrant red in fall; white flowers in the garden

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — This ornamental beauty typically reaches a mature height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet; botanically named

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