Oxydendrum arboreum

Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood) is a fantastic deciduous tree with large leaves, white panicles of fragrant, white flowers (bees LOVE them and produce a great honey from sourwood!) in the summer and spectacular red fall color.  Sourwood is commonly found as an understory tree here is the SE USA but also grows well in full sun.  Prefers well drained soil with some moisture retention.  Sourwood trees typically don't grow straight, but tend to make graceful arching trunk(s) that will then sprout out a secondary trunk from where trunk goes more horizontal.  It can do this several times, creating beautiful, sinuous trunk.  Sourwood is at the top of my favorite native tree list and I have seen some mind blowing specimens!  Typically most plants in the forest are less than 30-40' but monsters exist!  I found one near Sanford, NC that went straight up about 100', then turned and went horizontally anothere 40'!  There are some stunning, large trees found near Charlotte, NC on the Bartlett Tree Research Arboretum (see  photo).  Plant many!  Your bees will love you for it!

• HARDINESS: zones 5-9
• EXPOSURE: part shade to sun
• SIZE:  15-30'+++
• SHIPPING SIZE: 1/2 gallon container.  15-20" plant.