Sourwood
Oxydendrum arboreum
Sourwood earns a full season of attention. Drooping clusters of white urn-shaped flowers open in July. one of the latest-blooming native trees. and the fragrance draws bees at a time when nectar sources are thinning. Sourwood honey is among the most prized in the eastern United States, sought by beekeepers specifically for the tree's late-season bloom. Then October arrives and the leaves turn deep red-to-burgundy in one of the most saturated fall color displays of any Appalachian understory tree. Narrow, pyramidal form makes it appropriate for smaller residential lots and as a canopy understory tree under taller species. The persistent dried seed clusters add textural interest through winter. Give it acidic soil and some room to develop its characteristic weeping, layered branching, and sourwood becomes one of the finest four-season trees in the eastern native palette.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown sourwood propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 20'–30'
- Bloom
- Drooping fragrant white flower clusters in July, deep red to burgundy fall foliage, persistent dried seed clusters in winter.
- USDA zones
- 5-9
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside sourwood.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.
Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.
S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.