Perennial Solutions: Check out the Sourwood Tree, a bitter Tennessee native.

The first time I heard the word 'Sourwood tree', I immediately thought of a green, tart tasting wood that developed cankers and twisted grey branches that loomed over you with an ominous feeling... or simply sour patch kids in a tree form. Obviously the name for the tree was an indication of what it tasted like. Sourwood, or Oxydendrum arboreum (Lily of the Valley tree or Sorrel-tree), have beautiful dark green and shiny appearing leaves and when chewed on they taste rather sour. If you come across one, I suggest tearing off a leaf and seeing what all the fuss is about! (But only if you know for certain it is a Sourwood, it may not be a good idea going around eating leaves off of random trees...)

That isn't the only thing about this tree that makes it unique and great to have in your yard. These trees are slow growing with an oval to pyramid shape. Typically, they reach 25 to 30 feet tall and wide, but in prime conditions such as the right soil, application of water and sunlight, they may reach 50 feet tall! This upland forest tree is good for ornamental landscapes and intermediate-

sized tree requirements. One of the best attributes of Sourwood tree is its beautiful red/maroon autumn leaf color. Indeed, this can be a very desirable characteristic when planning for seasonal aesthetics in a yard. If you were to walk outside and take a look around at your neighbor’s, most likely you would see several.

To elaborate quickly on the requirements for the Sourwood tree; this native tree of the Southeast is from the uplands, which equates to moisture and well drained and non-compacted soil! Sourwood trees prefer sunlight to partial shade, though in full sun the flowering and coloring of the leaves are more prominent. Now, to continue on...

What draws you in further about the tree are the blooms the Sourwood displays. By the time the drooping red foliage has appeared, the flowers have become little pods of seed for birds to devour. The white to creamy colored blooms are shaped like little urns or pots, giving the tree a very frilly and elegant appearance. There are few trees that I have come across that have blooms such as these. They would do well even as flower arrangements for weddings or celebrations.

Oh, but these flowers are more than their looks! These little bells make some of the best tasting honey. This news is good for those who would like to try some beekeeping or already skilled beekeepers that are looking for a different kind of honey to produce. In the Southeastern area, Sourwoods can be a great contribution to your landscape, in being native to our zone, 7a, and it is sustainable. Not only are you planting a tree it's breath taking, but also because you can utilize this tree for multiple things!

Picture source:

1. http://highergroundgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/oxydendrum-arboreum_leaf-fall-color-fruit.jpg

2. http://www.ericaceae.org/images/Oxydendrum.jpg