Oxydendrum arboreum
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Tree
• Sunlight: Sun, part shade
• Soils: Acidic, well-drained
• Bloom Time: July, August
• Size: 15 – 30 feet in height; 12 foot spread
This deciduous tree, while native to southwest Pennsylvania and states south, sourwood makes a good ornamental landscape tree on Cape Cod. It is in the heath family and its fragrant summer flowers are pollinated by insects and are a good source of nectar. Fall color is outstanding! Trees planted in the shade may grow taller and flower less. Salt tolerant and can withstand periodic droughts if established.
Garden Companions
Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Nature Benefits
• Attracts pollinators and butterflies
• Attracts songbirds
• Host plant of sphinx moths
Native Habitat
In its native range, found as single trees at forest edges, often within upland oak forests.