When does Sourwood bloom?

Sourwood blooms in June and July, producing drooping clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that resemble lily-of-the-valley blooms.

What pollinators visit Sourwood?

Sourwood flowers attract bees and butterflies. The nectar produces a prized honey that is highly valued by beekeepers.

Where is Sourwood native?

Sourwood is native to the eastern United States, ranging from Pennsylvania south to northern Florida and west to southern Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisiana.

What growing conditions does Sourwood prefer?

Sourwood thrives in full sun to partial sun with well-drained, acidic soils. It prefers medium moisture levels and does not tolerate drought well once established.

Is Sourwood toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sourwood as toxic to livestock.

Is Sourwood HOA-friendly?

Sourwood is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Sourwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oxydendrum arboreum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a native deciduous tree found throughout the eastern United States, producing fragrant white flower clusters in June and July that attract bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sourwood as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 180"–360" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, FL, GA, IN and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Piedmont Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Sourwood is a beautiful native tree that produces drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers in summer, followed by striking red-orange fall color. It grows slowly to medium size with an upright, oval shape that works well in residential landscapes.

Growing Sourwood

Grow Sourwood in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sourwood is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Slow growth rate may test patience
Prefers acidic soil conditions

Wildlife value

The summer flowers are particularly valuable for bees and butterflies, providing nectar during hot months when few other trees are blooming. Birds also enjoy the small seed capsules that follow the flowers.

Common questions

When does Sourwood bloom?: Sourwood blooms in June and July, producing drooping clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that resemble lily-of-the-valley blooms.
What pollinators visit Sourwood?: Sourwood flowers attract bees and butterflies. The nectar produces a prized honey that is highly valued by beekeepers.
Where is Sourwood native?: Sourwood is native to the eastern United States, ranging from Pennsylvania south to northern Florida and west to southern Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisiana.
What growing conditions does Sourwood prefer?: Sourwood thrives in full sun to partial sun with well-drained, acidic soils. It prefers medium moisture levels and does not tolerate drought well once established.
Is Sourwood toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sourwood as toxic to livestock.
Is Sourwood HOA-friendly?: Sourwood is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Sourwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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