One of the earliest and best trees for fall colorization.Sourwood or Lily of the Valley tree is an excellent all season ornamental tree for the garden. The flowers/fruit droop in panicles resembling the herbaceous perennial, Lily of the Valley. One of the few late flowering summer trees. Not very competitive so it does not make a great lawn tree. Native from Virginia to North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Tennessee found growing along stream banks. Bark: Grayish brown to brown, thick, deeply furrowed and has scaly ridges that are cut horizontally. Foliage: Alternate, simple, oblong, 3-8" long and 1 1/2 to 3 1/2" wide. Dark green in summer and turning red and yellow in the fall. Flowers: White, perfect, urn-shaped, 1/4" long, fragrant. Blooms June to early July in 4-10" long and wide drooping, raceme - panicles. Flowers for 3-4 weeks. Fruit: Dehiscent, 5-valved, 1/3" long capsule. Color changes from yellow to brown.
| Tree ID Number: | 1138 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Oxydendrum arboreum |
| Mature Height: | 25-30 feet |
| Canopy Spread (Diameter): | 20 feet |
| Branching Shape: | Pyramidal. |
| Growth Rate: | Slow |
| Wood Strength: | |
| Cold Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
| Soil Moisture Requirements: | Moist |
| Light Requirements: | Sun, Part or Dappled Shade |
| Common Pests: | None serious. Leaf spots and twig blights. |
| Comments: | All season ornamental. Excellent specimen plant. |
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