Bare Root Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Deciduous, native North American flowering tree
Description: Fragrant, white, urn-shaped flowers cover the tree like a lacy veil in mid to late summer; lustrous dark green foliage turns yellow, purple, and brilliant red in fall
Habit: Grows 30 to 50 feet high and 25 feet wide.
Culture: Prefers moist but well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to part shade; slow growing tree
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 through 9
Origin: North America
Attributes: Deer resistant, attracts butterflies
Jefferson-documented

This very attractive native tree normally grows on slopes and ridges and along the edges of forests. It is common in woodlands from Pennsylvania southward through the mountains into western Florida and west into Louisiana, Tennessee, and Indiana. Also known as lily-of-the-valley tree, its flowers are extremely attractive to bees, and sourwood honey is a specialty in regions where the tree is common. Sourwood was introduced into cultivation by the 1750s and illustrated by North American plant explorer and botanist Mark Catesby. Philip Miller first successfully grew it in the Chelsea Physic Garden in London. Known in the 18th century as Andromeda arborea, Thomas Jefferson requested that plants of this species be sent to him in Paris while he was serving as Minister to France: twice in 1786, and again in 1788, specifically for his friend, Madame de Tessé.

This plant will ship bare root. Approximately 2' tall.

Bare root planting tips:

~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.
~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.
~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.