Sourwood is a fairly common understory tree (Deciduous )in areas with dry, acidic soil. Fragrant sprays of small white flowers in late spring/early summer and sourwood is one of the first trees to turn colors in the Eastern forest.

Winter twigs from the past year's growth are distinctively reddish, while twigs from the year before that are greenish-tan.

Growing sourwood tree: Sourwood has few pests, diseases, or minor cultural problems if it gets the well-drained, acid soil it requires. Its roots are shallow and easily disturbed, so plant from young, balled-and-burlapped stock. It is best transplanted in spring, and kept well-watered.

Sourwood honey is considered one of the best honeys. Obtained from the sourwood tree, which grows from Georgia to Pennsylvania, the color ranges from clear to light amber and has a smooth texture and floral spicy flavor.

Sourwood is the only member of its genus. There are no known subspecies, varieties or forms, but there are two known cultivars, "Chameleoni" and "Mt. Charm." Sourwood is also called the sorrel tree, lily-of-the-valley tree, titi tree, arrowwood, sorrel gum, elk tree and sour gum. Its genus name, Oxydendrum, is derived from the Greek word for a "sour tree," because its foliage tastes bitter due to the oxalic acid in the tissues o the leaves.

Sourwood NCSU fact sheet
How to make Sourwood Honey
Drawing of the leaves
Sourwood information