Landowner Fact Sheets

sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum play

Sourwood is a common small tree on upland sites, and is an increasingly popular ornamental tree.

range map Click to see more images. fall color

Light
Sourwood is rarely intentionally regenerated.

Water
Sourwood is most often found on well-drained soils.

Growth

Size
A small tree maybe up to 60 feet tall, usually with poor form with crooked branches and an irregular crown.

Timber Value
This tree has little timber value, but it is occasionally used for pulpwood.

Wildlife Value
Bees utilize the abundant necta, and sourwood honey is prized.
Attracts deer, bees

Insects and Diseases

Fun Facts
Sourwood is related to blueberry. The tree often looks like a very large blueberry with a twisted, contorted stem. Sourwood honey is considered a delicacy.

Latin Meaning
Oxydendrum: Greek "oxys" (acid) and "dendron" (tree) - refers to acid-tasting leaves / arboreum: tree-like

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Landowner Factsheets © 2004 Virginia Tech Forestry Department, all rights reserved. Text, images, and programming by: Dr. Jeff Kirwan, Dr. John R. Seiler, John A. Peterson, Edward C. Jensen, Guy Phillips, or Andrew S. Meeks.