Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), also called the sorrel tree, is a member of the heath family (Ericaceae), which includes azaleas and rhododendrons. Like the rest of this family, it grows best in moist, acidic, well-drained soils and can be found growing wild along gravelly stream banks of eastern North America. Jenkins has several sourwoods, with the most spectacular specimen featured in the parking lot.
Sourwood is a hardy, 25 to 30 foot tall tree that can be used in woodland gardens, shade gardens, open islands, or as a specimen plant. The perfect, white, urn-shaped flowers that bloom on panicles are fragrant and appear from June to early July, but the sourwood really shines in fall when its leaves turn from dark green to brilliant orange-red. The best color develops on plants that get the most sun.
In addition, bees are attracted to the flowers, and sourwood honey is highly prized.
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