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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.

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PHOTOS