Sorrel Tree, Sourwood
Oxydendrum arboreum
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late fall, Mid summer, Mid fall. Form: Oval, Pyramidal.
Oxydendrum arboreum is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Well-drained gravelly soils on ridges rising above the banks of streams.
South-eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Florida, west to Louisiana and Ohio.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves - raw. A pleasant acid flavour. They allay thirst.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves are cardiac, diuretic, refrigerant and tonic. A tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of asthma, diarrhoea, indigestion and to check excessive menstrual bleeding. It is diuretic and is a folk remedy for treating fevers, kidney and bladder ailments. The bark has been chewed in the treatment of mouth ulcers.
Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Refrigerant: Cools the body.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Wood - heavy, hard, attractive, very close grained. It weighs 46lb per cubic foot and is sometimes used for panelling, tool handles, bearings etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Specimen. Requires a moist well-drained lime-free soil. Prefers a pH in the range of 4 to 6. Succeeds in light dappled shade or in full sun, it appreciates the protection of other tall shrubs and trees. A very ornamental plant, it is rather slow growing, especially when growing at the limits of its hardiness. Plants can flower in 4 - 5 years from seed. The flowers are sweetly scented. Transplant with care, plants may take some time to re-establish themselves. The flowers are very attractive to bees. Special Features:North American native, Attracts butterflies, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: Surface sow the seed in a shady place in a greenhouse either as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter. Germination is variable. Put outside in a shady position as soon as it germinates and overwinter in a frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seedlings are susceptible to damping off and so should be kept well-ventilated and should not be over-watered. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist