Sourwood Tree
Regular price
$25.99
Regular price
Sale price
$25.99
Unit price
per
The Sourwood Tree goes by several names. It is known as the sorrel tree, elk tree, arrowwood tree and lily-of-the-valley tree because of its beautiful aromatic blossoms that are redolent of the classic lily-of-the-valley flowers. It yields the well-known sourwood honey. It is native to the United States and is considered endemic to the region. It is found in other countries only if it was imported and planted there, as it does not naturally grow anywhere else. With its vibrant fall colors, alluring mid-summer blooms and ornamental strings of seed-pods in winter, it is an attractive addition to your outdoor living space.
Where Does The Tree Thrive
It is a natural denizen of the southern Appalachian mountains. As a result, it is mostly found in the stretch between southern Pennsylvania and northern Florida. It is one of the key contributors to the colors of the leaf-peeping fall season in the region. It also grows in parts of Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois.
It requires moist and well-drained soil that leans towards acidic. Clay and loam are ideal media for its growth. Although it possesses a degree of tolerance for dry conditions, thick layers of mulch will help safeguard its shallow root system from drying out.
Since it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, it is advisable to plant it in an area that is not shaded by a building or a larger tree. This will also help the tree yield blooms and fall colors to the best extent it can.
Attributes Of The Tree
Strings of fragrant, white bell-shaped blossoms gracefully droop from its branches in mid-summer. Its biggest draw is when its lovely long leaves turn purple, crimson, burgundy and yellow in the fall. After the leaves are shed, its blooms change into rows of coppery-brown fruit, which in turn persist as seed-pods in the winter, giving it ornamental value for every season. Its blooms also yield a desirable variety of honey.
It grows to a height of 25 to 30 feet and its oval crown spreads to around 20 feet. Its height increases by one or two feet a year. Its dark green glossy leaves are oblong and four to eight inches long. It owes its name to the acrid flavor of its leaves. The scientific name is oxydendron arboreum and oxydendron translates to acid leaves in Greek. Its rust-colored bark has deep fissures. It is generally resistant to attacks from insects and pests.
Get Your Sourwood Tree At Garden Plant Nursery
Its main feature is the sweet nectar that is secreted by its aromatic flowers, which is attractive to several varieties of butterflies and bees and is beneficial to the ecosystem. The premium honey that is produced from this nectar is slow to harden or develop granules. Tool and wagon parts were once fashioned from its thick and tough wood. The trunk has natural hollows that provide refuge to wildlife like bats and reptiles.
Sourwood Tree is aunique tree that does not have any relative species, the sourwood tree can beautify its surroundings for up to eighty years. An intrinsic part of American lore, it produces a dense and luscious variety of honey and provides refuge to songbirds. For these reasons and more, it is a delightful addition to your yard.
Read less
Quantity
In Stock
Sold out
Fast Shipping —
Nationwide!
Secure checkout
with
