Sourwood is a small tree native the southern Appalachian Mountains. Leaves are rich green, turning yellow, red and purple in fall. Prefers full sun. Grows to 25'-30', 20' spread. As an ornamental plant, the 'Lily-of- the-Valley Tree', as it is also known, has much to offer: white June flowers; lustrous summer leaves; vibrant red fall foliage and blocky “alligator hide” bark.

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The name Sourwood is derived from the acrid taste of its leaves, but tea made from these leaves is widely used by mountain climbers as a thirst-quencher. Pioneers used the sap as one ingredient in a concoction used for treating fevers; the bark for chewing to soothe mouth pains; and leaf tea for treating diarrhea, indigestion and dysentery. But the best known by-product of the Sourwood tree is the hard-to-find and extremely delicious honey that bees produce from the fragrant blossoms.

USDA Zones 5-9