Sourwood Tree

The Sourwood or the sorrel tree also called the Oxydendrum arboreum in scientific terminology is an aboriginal of North America. The sourwood tree acquired its name due to its leaves being sour in taste. During the archaic epoch, its leaves were used as a medicative, due its inherent essential properties. Deer feast on the bright scarlet and sour leaves and twigs of the tree.

Sourwood Tree Leaves

The leaves of the tree could be termed as a medicinal tonic. They also act as a substance that delivers a freezing or a cool effect when consumed. Apart from being a refrigerant, it also proves to be a catalytic component in diuretic drugs. The term diuretic could be defined as a substance that aids an individual to get rid of excess water in the form of a substantially increased urine flow, from the body. It has been proved that the diuretic powers the leaves exude, convey relief to patients suffering from the trouble of frequent urination, passing urine with blood accompanied by a burning sensation. It serves to be a cool and rejuvenating beverage for fever patients.

The leaves have evinced its powerful properties by being an essential ingredient mixed with whiskey, thereby proving to be a concoction, effective for aging men having kidney and bladder problems. Bowel movements were also doctored through the use of these leaves, making them regular and aiding one during sudden, severe bouts of diarrhea or dysentery.

Sourwood Tree Facts

• Sourwood tree, in scientific terms, is referred to as Oxydendrum arboreum. It could be counted as a member of the deciduous tree type. The term 'Oxydendrum arboreum' has its roots in the Greek words 'oxys' and 'dendron', which mean acid and tree, respectively.
• It is also called the sorrel tree, Lilly-of-the-valley, ti-ti tree, elk tree and arrow-wood. It is also a great patio tree.
• The leaves of the tree are oblong and petiolate in shape, 1-2 inches broad and 4-6 inches in length. They have a glossy texture and finish. They are acidic or sour in taste. A rich red is the color they adorn at the onset of winter. The branches look droopy and the leaves juicy with a superior gloss finish.
• The Sourwood tree belongs to the heath family; a family that constitutes members such as rhododendrons, huckleberries, blueberries, and cranberries.
• The best growth of Sourwood could be witnessed in moist conditions with soil that has an acidic content ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 (this is the approximate pH level required.)
• Although the leaves are sour and acidic in taste, the wood of the tree is not. The wood is tasteless and odorless. The feel of the wood is dense and hard. The wood is employed for manufacturing machine parts, arrow shafts and handles, and is used as firewood, to name a few.
• The sap of the sourwood tree is evaporated into a syrup and the remainder content called the sour-gum could be chewed.
• One should plant sourwood during spring time. The one and only thing you need to do in terms of care is to water the plant regularly until it grows.
• It is the first tree whose leaf color changes into a rich red during fall. The sourwood is not receptive nor can it fight air pollution. However, it is a tree strong enough to bear the brunt of windy and stormy days.
• The sourwood tree is pest-resistant. It requires soil with a slight tincture of acid content to grow. It serves as an excellent ornamental tree. The attractive color of the leaves make it all the more appealing.

Sourwood Tree Identification

• The leaves grow in an alternate manner on the twigs. The leaves are glossy green, are oblong in shape, and taper at the tip. The fall brings with it leaves with brilliant reds and orange shades.
• Another identification characteristic is the sour taste of the leaves.
• The sourwood flowers are also named the lily-of-the-valley flowers. The flowers are white in color lending a sweet fragrance. The flowers grow in clusters, are bell shaped and droop down forming a bouquet of sorts.
• The fruits grow in clusters and being one third of an inch in size, consists of seeds of the tree. It refuses to fall off the tree, well until the winter months.
• There are two types of Sourwood Hybrids. One is called Mt. Charm and the other is named Chameleon. Mt. Charm has leaf colors brighter than the sourwood that grows in the wild. On the other hand, Chameleon grows with leaves adorning different shades and colors.

The sourwood tree lends beauty and serenity to its surroundings. This is the perfect tree for the purpose of landscaping. The sourwood tree is of great value as an ornamental tree and could be planted for a backyard makeover you would cherish.