Slow-growing eastern North American native tree with pendant sprays of small white bell flowers in midsummer and brilliant crimson autumn colour. The dual-season indicator of southern Appalachian forests.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 5–9 | −28.9 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H6 | −20 °C to −15 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 5–8 | −23 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Brilliant deep crimson autumn colour October — one of the most reliable native autumn-colour trees of the eastern US
- Lily-of-the-valley-like white bell flower sprays in July — a secondary midsummer feature and a source of the famously fine sourwood honey
- Strictly an acid-soil plant — chlorotic on alkaline soils
- Slow growing — eventually a small to medium tree
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Sourwood against your zones