Sourwood

Sourwood — Sourwood or Sorrel Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) is the sole species in the genus Oxydendrum DC, in the family Ericaceae. It is native to eastern North America, from southern Pennsylvania south to northwest Florida and west to southern Illinois; it is most common in the lower chain of the Appalachian Mountains.

Sourwood is a small tree or large shrub, growing to 10-20 m tall with a trunk up to 50 cm diameter. The leaves are spirally arranged, deciduous, 8-20 cm long and 4-9 cm broad, with a finely serrated margin; they are dark green in summer but turn vivid red in fall. The flowers are white, bell-shaped, 6-9 mm long, produced on 15-25 cm long panicles. The fruit is a small woody capsule. The roots are shallow, and the tree grows best when there is little root competition; it also requires acidic soils for successful growth. The leaves can be chewed (but should not be swallowed) to help alleviate a dry feeling mouth. As the name of the tree implies, the effect is similar to chewing a sour piece of gum.

The Sourwood is perfectly hardy at the north and a worthy ornamental tree in lawns and parks. Its late bloom makes it desirable and its autumnal coloring is particularly beautiful and brilliant. The leaves are heavily charged with acid, and to some extent have the poise of those of the peach. It is renowned for nectar, and for the honey which is produced from it. Juice from its blooms are used to make sourwood jelly. The shoots were used by the Cherokee and the Catawba to make arrowshafts.