sourwood Ericaceae Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC. symbol: OXAR Leaf: Alternate, simple, elliptical to lanceolate, 4 to 7 inches long, very finely serrate to ciliate, very slight pubescence on the mid-vein below, green above and paler below. A sour taste is obvious when the leaf is chewed Flower: Species is monoecious; white, 1/4 inch long, urn-shaped, borne on drooping panicles, reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley flowers, appear in mid-summer. Fruit: Dehiscent, 5-valved capsules borne on panicles. Capsules are dry when mature in fall and release the very tiny, 2-winged seeds. Twig: Olive green, changing to red, with buds that are small, round and oppressed (almost absent); leaf scars are elevated with one bundle scar. Bark: Grayish brown, very thick with deep furrows and scaly ridges; often the ridges are broken into recognizable rectangles. Form: A small tree maybe up to 60 feet tall, usually with poor form with crooked branches and an irregular crown. Looks like: blackgum - common persimmon - sassafras Additional Range Information: Oxydendrum arboreum is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting sourwood. External Links: USDAFS Silvics of North America USDAFS Additional Silvics USDA Plants Database Horticulture