Oxydendrum arboreum – Sorrel Tree – Sourwood –

Description

Oxydendrum – Sorrel Tree – Sourwood – There is a sole species of a slow growing, large shrub or small tree, in this genus. It occurs in woodland and streamsides in Eastern North America. It has fissured, rusty red to gray bark and may be multi stemmed. It produces simple, finely toothed, alternate leaves, which turn vivd red in autumn, and bears urn shaped, fragrant white flowers in autumn, held in large drooping terminal panicles. Grown for their autumn color and for its flowers, it is best grown in an open glade in woodland garden, or as a specimen. Grow in fertile, moist but well drained, acidic soil, preferably avoiding exposed situations in sun or part shade. Prone to leaf spots. O. arboreum – This pyramidal shaped shrub or small tree from Eastern North America grows 20-50′ feet tall and 25′ feet wide. It produces pointed, elliptic to oblong-lance shaped, toothed, slightly wavy edged, glossy, dark green leaves, to 8″ long, turning brilliant shades of red, yellow, and purple in autumn, changing with or prior to flowering. In late summer and early autumn it bears urn shaped, fragrant, white flowers, to 1/4″ long are held in large panicles to 10″ long. Zones 5-9