Sourwood

Oxydendrum arboreum

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a slow-growing flowering 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, 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