sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
Family: Ericaceae
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| Form:
Medium sized tree 40 – 60 ft. in height and a dbh of 1 ft.; irregular crown |
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Leaves: [if 789 not_equals=””] Shape: elliptical to oblong[/if 100] Margin: entire Texture: small hairs along the midrib Variation: parallel |
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| Bark:
The bark is dark gray often tinged with red and deeply furrowed. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
Twigs are slender dark green to red. Buds are partially embedded without a terminal bud. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Small bell-like flowers yield an excellent honey. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
sharp hairs along the midrib*, sour tastes when chewed, lacking terminal bud, deeply furrowed bark. |
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| Range:
Pennsylvania south to Louisiana and east into Florida. |
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| Silvics:
tolerant; dry to mesic uplands; acid soil |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
The wood was traditionally used for sled runners as well as tool handles and pulp. Sprouts are browsed by white-tailed deer. |
