Sourwood, Bare Root

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Sourwood, also known as Sorrel Tree, is a stunning native tree prized for its elegant summer blooms, vibrant red fall foliage, and adaptability to diverse landscapes. Known for its cascading clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in midsummer, Sourwood attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The tree’s glossy, green leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn, creating a show-stopping fall display. With its moderate size and attractive form, Sourwood is ideal for woodland edges, native gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Key Characteristics

• Fragrant Summer Blooms: Sourwood produces long, drooping clusters of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers in midsummer. These blooms have a sweet fragrance and are highly attractive to pollinators, making Sourwood a valuable nectar source for bees, especially for producing the renowned Sourwood honey.

• Striking Fall Foliage: Sourwood’s glossy, green leaves turn vivid shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, creating one of the most brilliant autumn displays among native trees. Its vibrant fall color makes it a stunning addition to gardens and naturalized settings.

• Wildlife and Pollinator Support: In addition to attracting bees and butterflies with its flowers, Sourwood’s dense foliage and branching structure provide habitat for small birds and insects, enhancing biodiversity in natural landscapes.

• Adaptable and Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Sourwood is relatively drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained, acidic soils. It prefers full sun to part shade and is well-suited to woodland borders, slopes, and low-maintenance landscapes.

• Ornamental and Compact Size: Reaching a moderate height of 20-30 feet, Sourwood has a compact, pyramidal shape that works well in small gardens, mixed borders, and as an accent tree. Its graceful form adds elegance to any landscape, while its seasonal interest makes it a focal point.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern United States
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous tree
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, acidic soils; tolerates sandy and loamy soils
• Mature Height: 20-30 feet
• Bloom Time: Midsummer
• Bloom Color: Creamy white
• Fall Color: Red, orange, purple
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Sourwood’s fragrant flowers, brilliant fall color, and pollinator-friendly nature make it a fantastic choice for adding year-round beauty and ecological value to gardens, woodland edges, and native plantings.