A Sourwood Crush

Sourwood’s red fall foliage and yellow fruits

I have a crush on my neighbor's Sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum). Against all odds, it is thriving in a 15-foot space between the sidewalk and their front porch—not exactly a recommended placement given the overhead powerlines. But this little tree is making it work!

I imagine the person who planted this tree had a strong affection for the finer qualities of this native. It blooms in the summer, showing off tassels of white bell-shaped flowers, the fruits of which hang on well into the winter. In the fall, it turns a radiant red. 

Growing Conditions

While this tree can grow anywhere from 50-80 feet tall in perfect conditions, conditions are rarely perfect. Instead, it stays somewhere between 20 and 30 feet tall. This, combined with its ornamental value, makes Sourwood a good fit for home landscapes. 

It is most at home in the Oak, Hickory, and Pine ecosystems of the Appalachian forest, from Southwestern Pennsylvania and down into Georgia. It prefers acidic soil and sun to part-shade but doesn't like pollution, salt, or compacted soil. It is not an urban street tree, even though the one in my neighborhood might lead you to think otherwise. 

Sourwood, Put to Good Use

Besides its good looks, Sourwood is known for its honey, as European honeybees and native beneficial insects pollinate this plant. It often develops cavities for nesting birds and small mammals. Native Americans and colonists used the tree medicinally, and notably, the Cherokee used the wood to make arrow spears, pipes, butter-churning paddles, and runners for sleds. Apparently, this wood is fun to carve!