Native to the rocky hills and understory of the Appalachians, the sourwood enjoys the cooler weather of the upland eastern seaboard but can also do well as far south as Louisiana. If you are considering planting sourwood trees, youll be glad to learn that the foliage produces excellent fall color, consistently turning a bright crimson. Its vital to prune a sourwood tree when its young to help develop an attractive shape. The leaves are heavily charged with acid and can be chewed (but should not be swallowed) to help alleviate a dry-feeling mouth. Irrigation is required during hot, dry weather to keep leaves on the tree. Plant in full sun to partial shade and dry or moist soil, but ensure it is well-drained. Terminal inflorescences resemble the elongated, bony fingers of a witch. Fertilize sourwood by adding aged compost to the dripline at least once a year. Sourwood rarely needs pruning. Sourwood trees are easy to identify in the fall due to their brilliant colors. It is native to North Carolina and can be found throughout the state, although more rarely in the low, alluvial plain. The name sourwood comes from the trees bitter yet edible foliage. If youve never heard of sourwood trees, you have missed out on one of the most beautiful native species. After filling the hole and tamping down the soil, water the sourwood thoroughly and mulch around the root zone. Sourwood, also known as Lily of the Valley, is renowned by beekeepers for the high-quality honey that their pollen lends. Native Americans utilized sourwood branches for arrow shafts. A tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of asthma, diarrhoea, indigestion. Buy this plant from 2 Gardenality Business Profiles . The midsummer flowering and beautiful fall foliage make sourwood an attractive ornamental. Being a tree which is native to Georgia they are adapted to our soil and want to live here. A type of brown beetle (Oncideres cingulata) feeds on new bark, killing twigs. You might see the trees blooming in various regions also. . Alternatively, you can cut the webs down and drop them in a bucket of soapy water to kill the caterpillars. A member of the heath family, Oxydendrum arboreum is primarily a hill country tree that has a range from Pennsylvania to the Gulf Coastal Plain. Another reason why the sourwood is so valuable as an ornamental tree in the landscape is because it does get seriously damaged by any insects or diseases that take up residence. The Sourwood ( Oxydendrum arboreum) is considered as an ornamental and shade tree. The slender clusters of bell-like flowers measure 4 to 8 (10 20 cm) long. By fall, brilliant red foliage covers the branches. Gray bark with reddish tinges helps to identify sourwood trees. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. During summer, long panicles of distinctive creamy-white bell-shaped fragrant flowers help to identify the tree. It grows to about 23 metres (75 feet) in height. Young sourwood trees with green and red leaves. Also, remove limbs off the tree to keep a 5 ft. (1.5 m) space under the canopy. Bud death followed by new bud formation and more bud death results in witches' broom-like proliferation of branch ends as well as very crooked branching patterns. Pests are usually not a problem for Sourwood. The Sourwood tree, also called the Oxydendrum arboreum in scientific terminology, is an aboriginal plant of North America. The sourwood grows to a height of 2530' and a spread of around 20' at maturity. Julie Janoski. Its place in the ecosystem as an understory tree really allows it to be the understated underdog while making a visual impression that will be sure to win your heart. Grow sourwood trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Sourwood has no serious pest problems. Its fall color is a spectacular deep red.