Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood)

Sourwood or sorrel, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that is known for its late-blooming June flowers and its brilliant red color in Fall. It requires acidic soil, and it does best with part to full sun, in soils that offer little competition for its shallow roots. If you have an area where rhododendrons do well, sourwood would likely do well there too as they share habitat preferences. The unique and fragrant flowers, which resemble lily of the valley, are very attractive to bees. The nectar produces one of the world's most distinctive honeys and jelly. Sourwoods can grow to between 20-50 feet tall, with a 20-foot spread. 

Sourwood is native to eastern North America from southern Pennsylvania south to northwest Florida. It is most common in the lower chain of the Appalachian Mountains. It is considered endangered in Maryland. In Maryland, it occurs in acidic upland forest slopes in Garrett County and historically in the sand woods of Worchester County on the Eastern Shore. The flowers are very attractive to bees. On Maryland DNR's Recommended Tree List.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

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