Native Plant Series: Sourwood Tree

Plant this: The Sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a medium-sized tree, native to the North America. The species is very recognizable in the fall seasons with its bright red leaves, and can grow in full sun or partially shaded regions.Sourwoods are a unique species in that they bloom in the summer, not in the spring, making them a popular pollinator magnet. Known to produce some of the tastiest honey, Sourwood honey is a prized treat from Western Maryland.  This tree grows to a height of 25-30 feet tall and is easy to take care of in smaller spaces. The Sourwood has a slow growth rate and is a beneficial alternative to the Beebee Tree which is invasive to our area. The Beebee tree is originally from the Korean region and grows quickly at around 2 feet a year. These trees produce thousands of seeds which can stifle other plant growth in the same area. In recent years, beekeepers have been planting this tree because of its innate ability to attract pollinators. They are now realizing that this tree is destructive to the environment around it. The best way to get rid of BeeBee trees or control their population is to apply herbicides.

To learn more about the native Sourwood tree visit: https://www.co-opliving.com/7487/the-sourwood-tree/

To learn more about the BeeBee Tree visit: https://mdinvasives.org/iotm/july-2016/

This ''Plant This, Not That” series is provided by Zander Hine, ACWA Student Board Member