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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 3–9Type TreeClimate Temperate
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — though it can occasionally soar upwards of 50 feet under optimal conditions

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

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

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Ericaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (83)

Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — lily-of-the-valley-like flowers that cascade in 4 to 10 inch long panicles
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — lily-of-the-valley-like flowers that cascade in 4 to 10 inch long panicles; the Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a deciduous
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — they undergo a spectacular transformation; tree for full or half, image 49
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — forming drooping clusters up to 10 inches long; lily-of-the-valley-like flowers that cascade in 4 to 10 inch long, image 45
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — botanically named Oxydendrum arboreum; tree with white blooms, image 46
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — tree for full or half; making it a resilient addition to a low-maintenance garden
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — tree for full or half; making it a resilient addition to a low-maintenance garden, image 60
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — The Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a deciduous tree; lily-of-the-valley-like flowers bloom in early summer, image 41
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade; though it can occasionally soar upwards of 50 feet under optimal
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade; though it can occasionally soar upwards of 50 feet, image 53
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — pyramidal shape reaching 25-30 ft in mature height; the tree blooms with copious white
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — forming drooping clusters up to 10 inches long
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — tree for full or half
Sourwood (Oxydendrum Arboreum) — It should be noted that this tree does not transplant easily due to its deep taproot; therefore; careful site selection and
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Oxydendrum Arboreum
Photographs by 6 contributors

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