Oxydendrum arboreum

Name: Oxydendrum arboreum

Common name: Sourwood

Description: Sourwood is a small tree that grows 20-50 feet tall and 10-25 feet wide. In mid-summer it features white, fragrant flowers borne on drooping panicles that resemble lily-of-the-valley flowers. Fall color ranges from maroon to scarlet and lasts late into fall.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9

Landscape uses: Use as a specimen because of its flowers and fall color. For best results, plant in full sun. Unfortunately, it’s not drought tolerant. It grows best in a well-drained acidic soil.

Chuck Flaherty, Magnolia Garden Center, Seattle, www.magnoliagarden.com