Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood)

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Height, Spread: 20-30 ft, 10-15 ft

Water/Soil: Moist-occasionally dry, well-drained, acidic, high organic matter or loam

Light: Full sun-part shade

Bloom: Summer, cream-colored bell-shaped flowers

Native Range: Eastern USA (PA south to FL, east coast west to TX and OH)

Qualities: Attractive to pollinators, Wildlife resource, NC Native

Notes: Small-medium deciduous tree commonly found in mesic-dry upland forests throughout NC. Attractive to pollinators, its nectar is used by honey bees to make an especially sought-after honey. Hollows in the tree are used as a refuge by some reptiles, amphibians, bats, and other small wildlife. Best used as an understory tree in a woody area.