Sourwood, Sorrel Tree, Lily-of-the-Valley Tree
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 25-30' tall and 20' wide, can grow to 50-75' tall in optimal conditions. Slow growth rate, 14-15' over a 12-15 year period. Medium lifespan, maturity between 125-175years.

Native Range

Virginia to North Carolina, South West Pennsylvania, South Ohio, Indiana, Western Kentucky to Florida and Louisana. Inroduced in 1747.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are perfect, white, urnshaped 0.25" long, June to early July, fragrant. Fruits are dehisant, 5-valved capsules, 0.33" long, yellowish at first becoming brown.

Leaf and Bark Features

Yellow, red and purple fall color. Bark is grayish-brown to brown, thick, deeply furrowed with scaly ridges.

Culture and Care

Transplant into an acid, peaty, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 5-9. Susceptible to leaf spots and twig blight, neither of which are serious.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Excellent flowering tree, flowers literally smother the foliage while blooming.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA