26 Arbor Age / March 2014 www.arborage.com
B y L e o n a r d P h i l l i p s ,
A S L A E m e r i t u s
Common Name: Sourwood
Botanical Name: Oxydendrum arboretum
Family: Ericaceae
Year of Introduction: 1747
Hardiness Zone*: 4 – 9
Height: 25 to 30 feet
Spread: 15 to 20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow, 15 feet in 15 years
Form: Pyramidal with round top and
drooping branches
Bloom Period: June to early July for 2 to
4 weeks
Flower: White, 1/4-inch long, fragrant,
cover the tree in blooms
Fruit: Brown capsule, persistent in winter
Spring Color: Bright green
Summer Foliage: Dark green
Autumn Foliage: Yellow, red, purple,
often all colors on same tree
Winter Interest: Fruits provide interest
in winter, bark also provides winter
interest
Bark: Grayish brown to black, deep
furrows and scaly ridges
Habitat: Species native to eastern half of
US and Canada
Culture: Well drained soils, full to partial
sun, drought and heat resistant, tolerates
most soils, pH should be 5.5 – 6.5
Pest Resistance: None serious
Storm Resistance: Good to excellent
Salt Tolerance: Tolerant of salt spray
Planting: Transplant containers and B&B
as young trees
Propagating: Seeds and tissue culture
Design Uses: Specimen for park, street,
and residential
Companions: Use with low groundcovers
planted the year after planting the tree
Other Comments: Excellent attractive
tree, specimen, group planting
Available From: Select retail nurseries.
* For information about the USDA
Hardiness Zone Map, visit
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/
index.html
These are the personal observations of the
author, living in New England – Zone 6.
Leonard Phillips can be reached via e-mail
at lenphillips@on-line-seminars.com.
TREE OF THE MONTH
Sourwood Sourwood
Photos provided by Leonard Phillips
