Growing sourwood tree: Sourwood will be undaunted by pests, diseases, or minor cultural problems if it gets the well-drained, acid soil it requires. Here is more on this. GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : Sourwood is a native, deciduous, medium-sized tree, 40 to 60 feet (12-15 m) tall [13,30].It develops a slender trunk and small crown in dense stands. In the wild, its bark often looks blocky like that of persimmon. Sourwood grows well in confined soil spaces with good drainage making it a candidate for urban plantings but is largely untried as a street tree. I ⦠They are about 20 ft. high. Ronald P. Overton. The common name derives from the sour taste of the leaves, which are finely-toothed and glossy. Trees are slow growing and sensitive to air pollution, poor drainage, root disturbance, and soil compaction. " For general undergraduate student information, contact Dr. Rick Durham at (859) 257-3249, or rdurham@uky.edu. They can grow to 8 inches (20 cm.) Since your tree is a foundation planting, you might want to have your soil tested by your local Penn State Extension. 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Most leaf spot diseases affect only a small percentage of the tree's overall leaf area, and are a minor stress on the health of the tree. European Americans used sourwood as a tonic, decoction, pills made from solid tree tissues, and as a tincture. Ericaceae -- Heath family. Sourwood tree growth is fairly rapid. Sourwood products were used to treat urinary problems (increase urine flow / diuretic), enlarged prostrate, bowel troubles, diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ache, and fever. In the open it forms a short, often leaning trunk dividing into several stout, ascending limbs [].The inflorescence is a raceme emanating from a central axis. Here is a quote about sourwood: "Trees grow best in moist, well-drained acidic soils in full sun to light shade. If you’ve never heard of sourwood trees, you have missed out on one of the most beautiful native species. Sourwood's wood is hard and has red-tinged brown heartwood and thick layers of pale sapwood. ... Butterfly Bush Problems With Butterfly Bushes: Common Butterfly Bush Pests And Diseases. The leaves of Sourwood trees help eliminate the feeling of dry mouth, yet should not be swallowed. Although they will tolerate partial shade, you’ll get less flowers and the fall color will not be as bright. Grow sourwood trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Click here, then click on your county either on the map or from the list of counties below it. Sourwood Tree Seedlings typically grows at a rate of twelve to twenty-four inches a year. The bark of Sourwood trees is gray with a hint of red. Sourwood has no serious pest problems. Sourwood Tree Seedlings is not affected by any significant diseases or pests. Its roots are shallow and easily disturbed, so plant from young, balled-and-burlapped stock. A young sourwood tree may begin to flower when it is only 3 to 4 feet tall. Trees typically grow up to about 30 feet in height and 20 feet in spread. The name Sourwood is derived from the acrid taste of its leaves, but tea made from these leaves is widely used by mountain climbers as a ⦠The scientific name for sourwood comes from the Greek words oxys (acid) and dendron (tree) and refers to the sour taste of its leaves. It is reportedly sensitive to air pollution injury. This medium-sized tree is slow growing, but once it starts to reach its height at maturity (up to 30 feet) the reward makes the wait worth it (hardiness zones 5-9). Sourwood trees offer delight in every season. Oxydendrum arboretum, Sourwood Tree By: Ginny Rosenkranz, University of Maryland Extension. Its interesting to read up on sourwood tree facts. Sourwood typically develops into a broadly conical tree with branches that droop toward their tips, giving it a graceful appearance. The Sourwood Tree is a slow grower with an upright oval crown that is 25-30 feet high and 20 feet wide. If you are planting sourwood trees, you’ll do best to grow them in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The tree grows slowly and only needs minor pruning attention. I am in RI and above their natural habitat but they are doing great except for the base of the tree being full. If so when should I prune the lower branches. It is best transplanted in spring, and kept well-watered and mulched until established. Click this article to learn about the planting and care of sourwood trees. The bell-shaped, 1/4- to 1/3-inch white flowers crowd into panicles up to 10 inches long which dangle from the tips of drooping branches in midsummer. Sourwood can be grown in Zones 5 (perhaps 4) to 9. WARNING: Some websites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky. Send mail to cgcass0@uky.edu with questions about this site. Sourwood tree growth is fairly rapid. To take care of sourwood trees, don’t stint on water. The Sourwood Tree is a member of the Heath family of which there are 70 Genera and 1800 species distributed through the temperate portions of the planet. The centerpiece was a young tree with long, pendulous seed capsules hanging delicately from its branches. The university does not review, control or take responsibility for the contents of those sites. I thought about getting some sourwood trees but have heard they only produce nectar at very specific altitudes and under very specific conditions. Family. Should I skirt them as they grow to the ground and I have noticed moss under them. Sourwood or the sorrel tree is a beautiful tree with glossy foliage that soothes the eye and delivers a feel of eminent tranquility. This tree requires an acid soil and thus can be difficult to grow in northern Illinois. Sourwood is a deciduous narrow tree with rounded top and drooping branches. Read on to learn about the planting and care of sourwood trees. Some decorative coasters have also been created using sourwood trees. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! It is rumored that the Cherokee and Catawba tribes used the flower shoots for arrow shafts. Sourwood tree facts tell you that the scientific name is Oxydendrum arboretum. It's profoundly furrowed and scaly in texture. Lumber is used for tool handles and was once used to make wagon sled runners. Sourwood, the lone species of the genus, is found in woodlands and along streams of eastern North America. The ideal soil is moist and rich in organic content. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) grows in the upland forests of the southeastern United States.Also known as sorrel-tree or lily-of-the-valley-tree, its flowers are an important source of honey in some areas but it is of little value as a timber species. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Fall webworm is an occasional problem. The name Sourwood is derived from the acrid taste of its leaves, but tea made from these leaves is widely used by mountain climbers as a ⦠N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091, Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859 (Princeton): 270-365-2667, For questions about home gardening, landscaping or commercial horticulture production, please contact your county extension agent. This plant does not like to be transplanted so only do so with young plants. Leaf spot diseases should be taken seriously if they result in moderate to complete leaf loss two to four years in a row. Sourwood flowers are very attractive to bees, and sourwood honey is common in the South. Common: Sourwood Tree, Lily-of-the-Valley Tree or Sorrel Tree. Size: City trees are usually about 25-30' at maturity. Just like diseases, tree-damaging pests to look out for depend on the type of tree and the region. Water them during dry weather, even after they mature, since they are intolerant of drought. For undergraduate student information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at (859) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. I think they would look better trimmed. The wood is also red-brown, with lighter sapwood. Blossoms bloom on sender panicles and have a faint fragrance. The trees typically grow 25 feet tall in your backyard, but can shoot up to 60 feet tall in the wild. In the late Summer, drooping clusters of fragrant Lily-of-the-Valley-like white flowers add an interesting and unique look to the Sourwood Tree. Site design : Academic Web Pages. However pruning the tree properly when it is young will ensure it develops good form and structure. For graduate student information, contact Dr. Doug Archbold at 859-257-3352, or darchbol@uky.edu, Sourwood - Oxydendrum arboreumHeath Family (Ericaceae). Plant the trees in full sun. It has a few pest or disease problems such as webworm and twig blight, but is easily treated. The tree does reasonably well in dry, neutral soils. Sourwood Trees have a reputation of being very difficult to grow in domestication. Prevent the problem with weekly watering during dry spells when itâs actively growing. I have two Sourwood trees growing. This tree will not tolerate dry, compacted, alkaline soils or deicing salt, and is sensitive to root disturbance, so it is not ideal for urban areas. They hang on the tree after leaf drop and lend ornamental winter interest. Like many other native trees, the Sourwood tree can be found growing in acidic soil, on wooded and rocky slopes. Leaf spot diseases weaken trees and shrubs by interrupting photosynthesis. Below is a list of some common pests you may be facing along with links for more detailed information. This site was last updated on December 18, 2020. In time, the flowers produce dry seed capsules that ripen in autumn. This plant (named for the sour taste of its leaves) forms a pyramidal tree to 30 feet tall, with canoe-shaped, glossy leaves that turn vivid maroon, yellow, or purple in autumn. It is 118 feet tall with a 2-foot trunk. The trees typically grow 25 feet (7.6 m.) tall in your backyard, but can shoot up to 60 feet (18 m.) tall in the wild. In its native habitat Sourwood can grow up to 60' x 100'. The sourwood tree can be grown in partial shade or full sun and is also free of pests! Sour-wood can be grown in Zones 5 (perhaps 4) to 9. If you are thinking of planting sourwood trees, you’ll want to learn more sourwood tree information. Small branches are mild yellow-green at first but change to a red-brown when the tree matures. Sourwood has no serious pest problems. If you are considering planting sourwood trees, you’ll be glad to learn that the foliage produces excellent fall color, consistently turning a bright crimson. A native tree of North America, the sourwood is one of the few endemic trees that is not found in other continents unless planted and has no related species. Sourwood trees, also called sorrel trees, offer delight in every season, with flowers in summer, brilliant color in fall and ornamental seed pods in winter. The juice from the leaves is also used to make sourwood jelly. 04-28-2015, 07:18 PM #5 GaryG74 A native tree of North America, the sourwood is one of the few endemic trees that is not found in other continents unless planted and has no related species. If you are thinking of planting sourwood trees, you'll want to learn more sourwood tree information. Leaf spot and twig blight infrequently occur on the Sourwood tree. Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC.. Sourwood. You may also appreciate sourwood tree information about the flowers, which are attractive to bees. Irrigation is required during hot, dry weather to keep leaves on the tree. 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