A medium-sized tree with sour-tasting leaves and white flower clusters. Important honey plant.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Oxydendrum arboreum, commonly known as sourwood or sorrel tree, is the sole species in the genus Oxydendrum, in the family Ericaceae. It is native to eastern North America, from southern Pennsylvania south to northwest Florida and west to southern Illinois; it is most common in the lower chain of the Appalachian Mountains. The tree is frequently seen as a component of oak-heath forests.
Source: Wikipedia — Oxydendrum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small to medium tree with smooth gray bark; lance-shaped leaves; drooping clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers.
Similar species. Other native trees (different leaf shape).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Native tree of southeastern Appalachians. Important honey plant — produces distinctive amber sourwood honey.
§ Range
Southeastern US
§ Habitat
Mixed forests, mountain slopes
§ Threats
Forest loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the sourwood is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support southern hardwood forest conservation.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Oxydendrum
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Oxydendrum arboreum
- iNaturalist · taxon 52914
- IUCN Red List — search for Oxydendrum arboreum
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Oxydendrum arboreum
§ Sources cited
- USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
