Sourwood has no serious pests or diseases. by Ann Farnham, LLA The tree favored this month by the Ewing Environmental Commission is Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboretum, one of America's most beautiful native trees. RF 2K10YG3 - A Sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) and its very red leaves is fronted by . UF/IFAS Electronic Data Information System, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The sourwood tree is very rarely noticeable if it is not in bloom. It has a few pest or disease problems such as webworm and twig blight, but is easily treated. Yields an oval-shaped fruit that is under " in diameter. Trees are slow growing and sensitive to air pollution, poor drainage, root disturbance, and soil compaction. Her thousands of published articles cover topics from travel and gardening to pet care and technology. Two long-horned beetle species, twig girdlers (Oncideres cingulata) and dogwood stem borers (Oberea tripunctata) chew their way around sourwood's stems and deposit their eggs in the crevices. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to sourwood. Bees produce a rich and popular honey from the nectar. form a strategic partnership called N.C. There are two issues to consider when using sourwood trees in the landscape. For general undergraduate student information, contact Dr. Rick Durham at (859) 257-3249, or rdurham@uky.edu. Waxy, lily-of-the-valley-like, white bell-shaped flowers that bloom on slender, second on axis, drooping, one-sided slender terminal panicles (4 to 8 inches long) from June to July. They hang on the tree after leaf drop and lend ornamental winter interest. Sourwood trees offer delight in every season. Size: City trees are usually about 25-30' at maturity. Fall webworm can defoliate portions of the tree in summer and fall but usually control is not needed. However, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech, the sourwood tree can be difficult to start in your garden: "Despite its grace and beauty, sourwood trees are. Grows to 25'-30', 20' spread. Sourwood Tree Seedlings or better known as Oxydendron Arboretum. Water a sourwood tree often enough to prevent the ground from drying out. Fertilizing before maturity will create more work for you and weaker wood on the branches. It should take three to four weeks for germination to happen. Lumber is used for tool handles and was once used to make wagon sled runners. Provide the trees with generous irrigation all growing season when they are young. The trunk of a sourwood tree is straight and slender, the bark fissured and gray, and the crown narrow. An Equal Opportunity University. They can grow to 8 inches (20 cm.) The sourwood can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 59. Irrigation is required during hot, dry weather to keep leaves on the tree. Keep the seedling tray in a warm place and under a fluorescent lamp for 24 hours a day. Sourwood Honey is one of the most sought after honeys in the world. Light requirement: tree grows in part shade/part sun; tree grows in full sunSoil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; acidic; well-drainedDrought tolerance: moderateAerosol salt tolerance: moderate, Sourwood grows slowly, adapts to sun or shade, and prefers a slightly acid, peaty loam. Oxydendrum arboreum, or Sourwood, is a deciduous smalltree that may grow 20 to 30feet tall and a trunk 8 to 12 inches in diameter. Again, its native habit will inform you greatly to its preferred environment. The white-shaped flowers get opened, and the tree is very easily recognized. Click here, then click on your county either on the map or from the list of counties below it. An interesting feature of sourwood tree bark is that twigs and branches emerge bright red before turning gray. During summer, long panicles of distinctive creamy-white bell-shaped fragrant flowers help to identify the tree. Sourwood's shallow root system resents competition from nearby grass or plants. Sourwood usually grows as a pyramid or narrow oval with a more or less straight trunk at a height of 25 to 35 feet but can reach 50 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 25 to 30 feet. Another name for the sourwood tree is the lily of the valley treethis is because the bell-shaped flowers look like those of lily of the valley plant (Convallaria majalis). Grow sourwood trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. It is intolerant of pollution and urban areas. Sourwood grows well in confined soil spaces with good drainage making it a candidate for urban plantings but is largely untried as a street tree. It is not snobby like some ornamentals which require fussing and tending. If youve never heard of sourwood trees, you have missed out on one of the most beautiful native species. The leaves are heavily charged with acid and can be chewed (but should not be swallowed) to help alleviate a dry-feeling mouth. For example, equal parts perlite and peat moss are ideal. Sourwood is a beautiful decorative tree suitable for growing in full sun to partial shade in residential garden landscapes. Can live 100200 years if planted in the right site. Also called the sorrel tree, a unique feature of the sourwood tree is that its the only species in the Oxydendrum genus. Sourwood is a pyramidal to oval tree that grows 25 to 30 feet high and 20 to 25 feet wide. Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). A million members, donors, and partners support our programs to make our world greener and healthier. It is an early summer bloomer and gives fresh flower color after most flowering plants have faded. Read on to learn about the planting and care of sourwood trees. Sourwood grows well in confined soil spaces with good drainage making it a candidate for urban plantings but is largely untried as a street tree. Then by summer, the tree is in bloom with rows of beautiful urn-shaped flowers. For an ornamental plant, the sourwood does not have huge levels of thirst. sourwood, also called sorrel, (species Oxydendrum arboreum ), deciduous ornamental tree, of the heath family (Ericaceae), native to southeastern North America. In autumn, you can recognize the sourwood tree by the rows of brown fruit standing erect on curving stems. Possessing a light and exceptionally floral taste with notes of anise, spice, and gingerbread, sourwood honey is a premium product for most beekeepers. Prune out infected branch tips and fertilize. Sign up for our newsletter. Sourwood tree fruit: immature (left) and mature (right). Ewing is located in USDA Zone 6b. The hickory horned devil caterpillar is a huge green caterpillar that looks aggressive but is harmless and wont bite you. Fall webworm can defoliate portions of the tree in summer and fall but usually control is not needed. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Sourwood is not too site-demanding and has very few insect or disease problems, making it a low maintenance landscape plant. Below are common attributes associated to Sourwood Tree. The brownish capsules measure up to 0.5 (1.2 cm) long and provide visual ornamental interest contrasting with the vibrantly colored red foliage. If you are thinking of planting sourwood trees, you'll want to learn more sourwood tree information. Branching patterns and persistent fruit give the tree an interesting look in the winter. Branches droop toward the ground forming a graceful outline when planted as a single specimen. Reportedly not highly drought-tolerant, but there are beautiful specimens in USDA hardiness zone 7 growing in the open sun in poor clay with no irrigation. Julie Janoski. Sourwood trees near structures? How to Propagate Sourwood Tree U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness, Different Types Of Sorrel - Learn About Common Sorrel Varieties, Sorrel Plant Uses - Tips On Using Sorrel Herbs In Cooking, Using Sorrel Herbs - How To Prepare Sorrel Plants, Growing Hostas In Colorado And The Southwest US, Problems With Butterfly Bushes: Common Butterfly Bush Pests And Diseases, Pears And Fire Blight: How To Treat Pear Tree Blight, Hardy Kiwi Diseases: How To Treat A Sick Kiwi Plant, Feeding Amaryllis Plants Learn How And When To Fertilize Amaryllis Bulbs, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. The leaves are used as a thirst-quencher by hikers and mountain climbers, and were once brewed to make a tonic. It prefers full sun to part shade. . That being said, here are a few of the rare cultivars to have actually made it into cultivation in the trade: Pruning the sourwood is a pure joy as it is very slow-growing, and the only worries you should have are pruning the tree for structure and establishing a single leader. Winter rains help the roots absorb the fertilizer and feed spring growth. Getting rid of borers that infest a sourwood tree can be challenging. Sourwood Tree Seedlings for Planting | 1-2 Feet Tall Live Tree Plants - Stunning Red Leaves and White Flowers (2 Trees) $42.96 $ 42. The Sourwood ( Oxydendrum arboreum) is considered as an ornamental and shade tree. Descriptions and pictures of sourwood flowers, leaves, and fruit will help you see where to plant this stunning specimen tree. Sourwood sprouts often interfere with the establishment of more desirable species in second . Another reason why the sourwood is so valuable as an ornamental tree in the landscape is because it does get seriously damaged by any insects or diseases that take up residence. For graduate student information, contact Dr. Mark Williams at (859) 257-1758, or mark.williams@uky.edu. The trunk of a sourwood tree is straight and slender, the bark fissured and gray, and the crown narrow. The tree transplants easily when young and from containers of any size. Plant Clinic Manager. Young sourwood trees with green and red leaves. Most of the critical pruning for sourwoods is when the trees are relatively immature. Small Business. They are low maintenance, adaptable, have no serious pest problems, is sun or shade tolerant and drought resistant once established. Individual sourwood flowers are small, regular, symmetrically shaped, fragrant, and showy. One of the things that make the sourwood so appealing is the real lack of care that needs to be done to maintain this beautiful ornamental tree. Native sourwood trees are beautiful ornamental trees that provide visual interest in all seasons. Also known as sorrel-tree or lily-of-the-valley-tree, its flowers are an important source of honey in some areas but it is of little value as a timber species. This site was last updated on March 3, 2023. This plant blooms in early summer, and blooms up the axis. Because of this, it is adaptable to various light conditions which makes it incredible versatile as invaluable in ornamental horticulture. Sourwood tree facts tell you that the scientific name is Oxydendrum arboretum. It prefers normal moisture but has some drought tolerance. Trees in poor health seem to be more susceptible. This tree grows to be 25-30 feet in height and has a spread of about 20 feet at full maturity. Native Range: Eastern and southern United States Zone: 5 to 9 Height: 20.00 to 50.00 feet Spread: 10.00 to 25.00 feet Bloom Time: June to July Bloom Description: White Sun: Full sun to part shade Water: Medium Maintenance: Low Suggested Use: Flowering Tree Flower: Showy, Fragrant Leaf: Good Fall Fruit: Showy Tolerate: Deer Branches are narrow, elongate, decurved then swept upright, and persist after leaves. It can be difficult to grow in northern Illinois because it requires acidic soil. Moderately resistant to deer damage. Called Lily-of-the-Valley and Sorreltree also. In the early summer, the Sourwood blooms white fragrant flowers. The tree grows slowly, adapts to sun or shade, and prefers a slightly acid, peaty loam. . Slow growth rate to 30 feet (9 m) in cultivation, greater in the wild. Sourwood is a tree for all seasons and is found in the forest understory, along roadsides and a pioneering tree in clearings. Scientific name: Oxydendrum arboreumPronunciation: ock-sih-DEN-drum ar-BORE-ee-umCommon name(s): Sourwood, Sorrel-TreeFamily: EricaceaeUSDA hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 9AOrigin: Native to North AmericaUses: recommended for buffer strips around parking lots or for median strip plantings in the highway; shade tree; specimen; no proven urban toleranceAvailability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the tree. The ideal soil is moist and rich in organic content. The nectar-laden flowers are also a source of honey. Bud death followed by new bud formation and more bud death results in witches' broom-like proliferation of branch ends as well as very crooked branching patterns. Mountain climbers often use the leaves from sourwood trees to chew on their way or make tea out of it as a thirst quencher. To ensure healthy growth, its vital to choose a fertilizer for acid-loving trees. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insects. Leaves are rich green, turning yellow, red and purple in fall. In its native habitat Sourwood can grow up to 60' x 100'. If you are considering planting sourwood trees, youll be glad to learn that the foliage produces excellent fall color, consistently turning a bright crimson. This tree can easily be identified by their lush dark green foliage which turns a striking fiery red in . Just like the leaves, these flowers also have a fresh, acidic taste. It is 118 feet tall with a 2-foot trunk. Space sourwood 15 to 20 feet apart; the tree grows 25 to 35 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. Gray bark with reddish tinges helps to identify sourwood trees. Oxydendrum arboreum, Sourwood Tree. Excellent fall color. Bare root plants need to be planted within 2-3 days of receiving unless weather-related problems prohibit planting. A type of brown beetle (Oncideres cingulata) feeds on new bark, killing twigs. Fertilize sourwood by adding aged compost to the dripline at least once a year. When planting a sourwood tree, ensure that the soil is organically rich, acidic, and drains well. But the best known by-product of the Sourwood tree is the hard-to-find and extremely delicious honey that bees produce from the fragrant blossoms. . A sourwood faced with combined heat and drought drops its leaves. We offer 3 days to report any problems with your order. Family The Sourwood Tree is a member of the Heath family of which there are 70 Genera and 1800 species distributed through the temperate portions of the planet. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 1324" per year. As far as diseases, twig blight kills leaves at the branch tips. Finally, backfill the hole using the amended native soil. First, the trees dont tolerate urban pollution and wont thrive in city environments. The trees characteristic growth habits are a slender trunk, narrow, irregular crown, and branches that droop slightly. It has a slow growth rate and no serious pest or disease problems. Sourwood has no serious disease or pest problems. Second, the trees dont perform well in compact soil or cope with drought. Each scented flower consists of five tiny petals fused to create a little bell. The lack of cultivars is because the nursery trade has raised the breeding stock and found many significant mutations to breed. If you are thinking of planting sourwood trees, you'll want to learn more sourwood tree information. To grow Oxydendrum arboreum, keep the ground well-watered during dry spells. (sourwood), leaves, fall color, Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC. The forest floor is covered in fallen leaves, which break down into leaf mold; this is the fungal material of decomposing leaves. Sourwood tree flowers are a creamy white color and bell-shaped. Then its vital to prune the sourwood tree in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. Keep the soil evenly moist. The fall color is a striking red and orange which is rivaled by only a few other trees such as Blackgum, Chinese Pistache, the pears, and Chinese Tallowtree. Passionate for travel and the well-written word, Judy Wolfe is a professional writer with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Cal Poly Pomona and a certificate in advanced floral design. Sourwood grows slowly to its mature, 25- to 50-foot height and 12- to 20-foot spread. Sourwood vector illustration. Sourwood, also known as Lily of the Valley, is renowned by beekeepers for the high-quality honey that their pollen lends. Sourwood tree's beautiful white flowers are also edible. Similarly, the hickory horned devil caterpillar can attack sourwood leaves in late spring. To propagate a sourwood tree from seed, you need a seedling tray filled with a moist potting medium. Sourwood flowers are very attractive to bees, and sourwood honey is common in the South. Once the tree is established you can taper the supplemental watering off and let nature take over. Resistant to fire. It prefers normal moisture but has some drought tolerance. Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. How to Grow and Care for Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium), How To Grow and Care For Japanese Zelkova Trees, How to Grow and Care for American Hornbeam, How to Grow and Care for Canadian Hemlock Trees, How to Grow and Care for Japanese Maple Trees, How to Grow and Care for Osakazuki Japanese Maple, How to Grow and Care for 'Crimson King' Maple, How to Grow and Care for Chinese Pistache, How to Grow and Care for a Carrotwood Tree, 10 Poplar Trees: Pros and Cons of Each Type, How to Grow and Care for a Paperbark Maple Tree, How to Identify and Remove Tree of Heaven. The largest known sourwood in North America is in Robbinsville, N.C. The bark develops deep furrows and scaly patterns like the alligator hide-type bark of black tupelo trees. It is perhaps most commonly found on rocky wooded slopes in the Appalachian Mountains, often growing in combination with other heath family members that share the same acidic soil preferences. It is best grown from small container-grown plants. N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091, Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859 (Princeton): 270-365-2667. Sourwood grows well in confined soil spaces with good drainage making it a candidate for urban plantings but is largely untried as a street tree. Trimming off weak-looking branches and leaving five to eight evenly spaced branches would be ideal. . The leaves of the sourwood tree are oblong-shaped and have a leathery texture. If you are thinking of planting sourwood trees, youll want to learn more sourwood tree information. The scientific name for sourwood comes from the Greek words oxys (acid) and dendron (tree) and refers to the sour taste of its leaves. Andrew Hughes is a certified arborist and member of the International Society of Arborists specializing in tree heal care. The new growth that appears is a bronze color with large, dark-green leaves that turn orange and scarlet in color in the Fall. 96. The tree transplants easily when young and from containers of any size. The botanical equivalent of operatic divas, sourwood trees (Oxydendrum arboreum) compensate for their temperamental quirks with four-season performance. Keeping the tree healthy and stress-free with proper siting, irrigation and feeding is the most effective deterrent for these pests. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazon's store. Full Sun or Shade for a Crimson Queen Maple. The sourwood is the only species in the genus Oxydendrum. Sourwood tree is a plant that is native to eastern North America. The sourwood (often called sorrel) is a pretty little ornamental tree that is perfect for smaller spaces. The juice from these flowers is usually used to make sourwood jelly. The bark is red-brown with deep vertical furrows that separate flat, pointed ridges. Flowers are quite attractive to bees and the honey is highly sought after. Looking for a source for a good sized, container grown sourwood tree to use as a focal point in a garden of primarily native plants. Unfortunately, this feeding habit causes new sprouts and stems to die back, resulting in poor growth. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Fall webworm is an occasional problem. The leaves are dark green in summer and change to red or a mix of red and orange in fall. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazon's . The name Sourwood is derived from the acrid taste of its leaves, but tea made from these leaves is widely used by mountain climbers as a thirst-quencher. Alternatively, you can cut the webs down and drop them in a bucket of soapy water to kill the caterpillars. After filling the hole and. Because of its famous honey, sourwood is also called the honey tree. The tree has laurel-like alternate leaves that are finely toothed and sour to the taste. A sourwood tree's leaves can be chewed to help quench thirst, made into tea, or added to salads, soups, or stews. It produces small, persistent, tan, dry capsules. Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, early summer, midsummer, early fall, mid fall, Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC. Sourwood requires an acidic soil that is moist and well-drained. Sourwood tree bark has recognizable deep furrows with patterns resembling alligator hide. Only 1 terminal bud, smaller than side buds. "With no major pests or diseases, this native . Sourwood - Oxydendrum arboreumHeath Family (Ericaceae). Its honey, which has a medium to light color with heavy body, is slow to granulate. Culture: Sun to part shade. One of the first trees to color in the fall it . Occasionally young specimens have a more open spreading habit reminiscent of Redbud. (sourwood), bark. Another way to ensure a sourwood tree gets enough nutrients is to apply rotted manure or organic compost every spring. Sourwood's bark is grayish brown tinged with red, and deeply furrowed with scaly ridges. In the wild, its bark often looks blocky like that of persimmon. Additionally, its helpful to remove any suckers or branches that grow near the trunks base. Common Name: sourwood Type: Tree Family: Ericaceae Native Range: Eastern and southern United States Zone: 5 to 9 Height: 20.00 to 50.00 feet Spread: 10.00 to 25.00 feet Bloom Time: June to July Bloom Description: White Sun: Full sun to part shade Water: Medium Maintenance: Low Suggested Use: Flowering Tree Flower: Showy, Fragrant Leaf: Good Fall The Sourwood Tree is a slow grower with an upright oval crown that is 25-30 feet high and 20 feet wide. My Purple Plum Tree Looks Black Like Fungus: What Is This? Sourwood trees are easy to identify in the fall due to their brilliant colors. RM R8WEF4 - Sourwood tree, used by the Cherokee for arrow shafts, Qualla Reservation, North Carolina. Send mail to cgcass0@uky.edu with questions about this site. You can also use a tree fertilizer with an NPK rating of 10-10-10. Trees grow best in moist, well-drained acidic soils in full sun to light shade. FORUMS. It is native primarily to the southeastern United States and commonly found on well-drained upland slopes. It will have a slight fall off in fall color and blossoms as a result of not receiving full sun but will still be stunning. Full sun to partial shade. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The normal standard of watering weekly for the first two seasons applies, at a rate of two to three gallons a week per trunk diameter measured by caliper at chest height. Lastly, add a 2 to 3 (5 7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch to help keep the soil moist and control weeds. Sourwood tree facts tell you that the scientific name is Oxydendrum arboretum. Dark, thin, gray bark on mature trees is has light gray fissures, ridged and scaly, becomes blocky with age. . Sourwood trees, also called sorrel trees, offer delight in every season, with flowers in summer, brilliant color in fall, and ornamental seed pods in winter. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Irrigation is required during hot, dry weather to keep leaves on the tree. Blossoms bloom on sender panicles and have a faint fragrance. Sourwood trees are relatively small, slow-growing, and reach 20 to 30 ft. (6 10 m) tall and wide. Just the Facts. oxydendrum arboretum sourwood Share: facebook twitter pinterest googleplus linkedin James R. Fazio How to Water and Feed Sourwood. Its fall color is a spectacular deep red. Sourwood tree growth is fairly rapid. (zones 5-9). Leaves are dark, lustrous green and appear to weep or hang from the twigs. If you plant ten trees, four or five will die and half of the survivors will be unthrifty. Also, the sweet aroma of the flowers attracts bees that feed on the sweet nectar. In summer, when most trees are done blooming, Sourwood will grace your yard with gorgeous lacy sprays of small, fragrant white flowers that resemble . They are similar to lily of the valley flowers, providing an alternate common name. Place the young tree in the center, ensuring that it grows at the same height as before. Features simple, elliptic or oblong leaves that are dark green in color and range from 48" long. It is native to North Carolina and can be found throughout the state, although more rarely in the low, alluvial plain. The trees typically grow 25 feet (8 m.) tall in your backyard but can shoot up to 60 feet (18 m.) tall in the wild. In addition, their relatively short stature provides plenty of interest at eye level and can be a great addition to your landscape. Sourwood tree can be identified by its flowers, leaves, and bark. Sourwood honey also has antibacterial properties. The common name derives from the sour taste of the leaves, which are finely toothed and glossy. They are also a laxative. Sourwood tree can be identified by its large, glossy green lanceolate leaves that turn bright red to reddish-purple color in the fall.
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