A mature Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Flowering tree · Shade tree · Specimen · Understory · Coastal · Woodland · Butterfly · Childrens

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Sourwood

Oxydendrum arboreum · Tree

Sourwood is a slow-growing tree, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 20–50 ft × 10–25 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect cream and white blooms in summer. It attracts bees, butterflies and pollinators, stands up well to deer and dry soil and fire.

USDA zones: 5-9
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Medium
Mature size: 20–50 ft × 10–25 ft
Growth rate: Slow
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
Bloom color: Cream, White
Bloom season: Summer
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Deer, Dry soil, Fire, Salt
Native to: Eastern and southern United States

Will it survive your winters?

We score Sourwood’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9