Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Sourwood Tree
Oxydendrum arboreum
33.607, -81.745
Field Notes
Description:
Sourwood is a native, deciduous, medium-sized tree, 40 to 60 feet (12-15
m) tall. It develops a slender trunk and small crown in dense
stands. In the open it forms a short, often leaning trunk dividing into
several stout, ascending limbs. The inflorescence is a raceme
emanating from a central axis. The simple, alternate leaves are 4 to 7
inches (10-18 cm) long and variable in shape. The fruit is a capsule
0.25 to 0.5 inch (6-13 mm) long containing many tiny seeds.
Habitat:
Sourwood grows in upland forests of the southeastern United States. Sourwood grows throughout the Piedmont uplands. It is also found along
Piedmont streams on well-drained lowland areas not subject to flooding.
In the Coastal Plain it is found on gently rolling areas. Toward the
coast it is restricted to old dunes and well-drained slopes and ridges
above streams and swamp borders. This one was photographed at Henderson Heritage Preserve in Aiken County, SC.
Notes:
Sourwood blooms from late June to August; the fruit ripens from
September through October.
Comments (1)