The Sourwood tree, Oxydendrum arboreum, is one of the most prized native trees, especially noted for its summer flowering and gorgeous fall colors. The Sourwood makes a nice small specimen tree for small spaces and looks great at the woodland edge. It is also known as the Sorrel Tree and Lily-of-the-Valley Tree. Sourwood honey is prized by gourmets.
The leaves are deciduous, up to 8" in length, sour-tasting, and turn scarlet in the fall. The fruit is a small gray capsule appearing in spike-like clusters. The bark is dark and blocky (alligator hide). Displays white Lily-of-the-Valley like flowers in July. Plant in full sun to partial shade in acid, organic, moist, well-drained soil. Beautiful scarlet-orange leaf color in fall. Great for a small yard, patio or lawn tree.