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Oxydendrum arboreum
Sourwood is a native, deciduous, medium-sized tree, 40 to 60 feet (12-15 m) tall. It develops a slender trunk and small crown in dense stands. 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. The simple, alternate leaves are 4 to 7 inches (10-18 cm) long and variable in shape. The fruit is a capsule 0.25 to 0.5 inch (6-13 mm) long containing many tiny seeds.
Sourwood grows in upland forests of the southeastern United States. Sourwood grows throughout the Piedmont uplands. It is also found along Piedmont streams on well-drained lowland areas not subject to flooding. In the Coastal Plain it is found on gently rolling areas. Toward the coast it is restricted to old dunes and well-drained slopes and ridges above streams and swamp borders. This one was photographed at Henderson Heritage Preserve in Aiken County, SC.
Sourwood blooms from late June to August; the fruit ripens from September through October.
Spotted on Jun 17, 2012
Submitted on Mar 24, 2013
1 Comment
Lovely! I love Sourwood honey.