Sourwood

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Sourwood is a native tree that rivals our native dogwood for sheer beauty and three season interest. Young foliage is iridescent green which then turns to a deep green before turning yellow, red and then maroon in the fall. Fragrant white flowers  on long panicles blossom in June and July and stay on the stems for three or four weeks. It grows at a medium rate (12-24" per year) to 30' and can tolerate acid soils and partial shade. It is host to many native species of insects, caterpillars, bees and birds. Its name comes from the acidic taste of its foliage, but the honey produced from sourwood nectar is highly prized and sought after by honey and native bees.