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Oxydendrum arboreum - (L.)DC.

Common Name Sorrel Tree, Sourwood
Family Ericaceae
USDA hardiness 5-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Well-drained gravelly soils on ridges rising above the banks of streams[82].
Range South-eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Florida, west to Louisiana and Ohio.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Oxydendrum arboreum Sorrel Tree, Sourwood


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Oxydendrum arboreum Sorrel Tree, Sourwood
www.backyardnature.net

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late fall, Mid summer, Mid fall. Form: Oval, Pyramidal.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Leaves - raw[11, 105, 161]. A pleasant acid flavour[82]. They allay thirst[61].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cardiac  Diuretic  Refrigerant  Tonic

The leaves are cardiac, diuretic, refrigerant and tonic[61, 82]. A tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of asthma, diarrhoea, indigestion and to check excessive menstrual bleeding[222, 257]. It is diuretic and is a folk remedy for treating fevers, kidney and bladder ailments[82, 222]. The bark has been chewed in the treatment of mouth ulcers[222, 257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - heavy, hard, attractive, very close grained. It weighs 46lb per cubic foot and is sometimes used for panelling, tool handles, bearings etc[82, 229, 235].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Specimen. Requires a moist well-drained lime-free soil[200]. Prefers a pH in the range of 4 to 6[200]. Succeeds in light dappled shade or in full sun[200], it appreciates the protection of other tall shrubs and trees[1, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is rather slow growing, especially when growing at the limits of its hardiness[200]. Plants can flower in 4 - 5 years from seed. The flowers are sweetly scented[245]. Transplant with care, plants may take some time to re-establish themselves[200]. The flowers are very attractive to bees[49, 229]. Special Features:North American native, Attracts butterflies, Blooms are very showy.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Surface sow the seed[113] in a shady place in a greenhouse either as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[200] or in late winter[78]. Germination is variable[78]. Put outside in a shady position as soon as it germinates and overwinter in a frame[78]. 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[200]. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(L.)DC.

Botanical References

1143200

Links / References

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