A Japanese maple tree with brilliant red and orange fall foliage in a residential yard with a white house nearby - TN Nursery

Sourwood Tree

1-2 Feet / Buy 1 Get 1 Free
$26.99
Skip to product information
A Japanese maple tree with brilliant red and orange fall foliage in a residential yard with a white house nearby - TN Nursery
1/3

Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Between November 15-29

Planting Zone

5-9

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Water Needs

Low and Moderate

Sun or Shade

Full sun and Partial shade

Bloom Season

June through July

Care

Sourwood trees thrive in well-drained, acidic soil. They prefer consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Trim in winter to preserve shape and remove dead or diseased wood. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. They’re generally pest-resistant.

Exposure

Sourwood trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer a location with at least 4-6 hours of natural sunlight daily but can handle some shade, especially in hotter climates. Well-drained, acidic soils enhance their growth.

Plant Attributes

Striking aesthetics & wildlife habitat , Air purification & medicinal uses, Low maintenance & cultural significance
Sourwood Tree

Sourwood Tree

Height Shipped
Quantity: (Buy More, Save More)

Buy 1, Get 1 FREE - Add 1 to your cart, and we'll automatically send the second one FREE!Bulk pricing applied. Free plant offer is only on the Buy 1 Get 1 Free option.
$26.99
$13.50 each 2 plants (buy 1, get 1 free)
Ships dormant and bare root, Nov 15 to 29.

No leaves until spring, and that's normal.

What to expect
  • Dormant means asleep, not dead. The plant is resting, not growing.
  • Plant it soon. Within a day or two of arrival is best. Soak the roots in water for 30 minutes to an hour first.
  • Leaves come in spring. Until then it can look like a bare stick. That's normal.
  • Want to check? Scratch a little bark with your fingernail. Green underneath means it's alive.
See our planting instructions
0% interest Get Easy Pay Installments when you spend $35+ with
? Split your order into interest-free payments at checkout with Shop Pay. Available on orders of $35 or more.

Problem with your plants? Tell us within 24 hours of delivery and we'll reship or give you store credit, your choice. Add Plant Protection at checkout for a full year of cover.

Frequently bought together

Total for 4 items

Ask a Question About This Plant. Get a Quick, Expert Answer
Guide to Planting Bare Roots QR code
Guide to Planting Bare Roots

Scan with your phone to see our scratch test and planting steps while you're out in the garden.

Open the planting guide
How to tell if your bare root plants are alive or dead QR code
How to tell if your bare root plants are alive or dead

Scan to watch the quick scratch test we use to check trees, ferns, and perennials the moment they arrive.

Watch the video

Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Between November 15-29

Planting Zone

5-9

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Water Needs

Low and Moderate

Sun or Shade

Full sun and Partial shade

Bloom Season

June through July

Care

Sourwood trees thrive in well-drained, acidic soil. They prefer consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Trim in winter to preserve shape and remove dead or diseased wood. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. They’re generally pest-resistant.

Exposure

Sourwood trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer a location with at least 4-6 hours of natural sunlight daily but can handle some shade, especially in hotter climates. Well-drained, acidic soils enhance their growth.

Plant Attributes

Striking aesthetics & wildlife habitat , Air purification & medicinal uses, Low maintenance & cultural significance

Featured Reviews

4.8 (51 reviews) View all reviews See all

Jed Young

Sourwood Tree

David Laird

my 4 sourtrees arrived in really good condition. I planted them the afternoon they arrived. Roots looked very good on 3 of the 4 trees (fibrous root present) and just good on one (few fibrous roots present). pleased with the condition!

Jason Dennis

Quick shipping and quality trees at a reasonable price. Will definitely buy from again.

About this plant

Sourwood Tree Details

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Beekeepers in the Appalachians plan entire hive placements around this one tree. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) produces nectar that makes sourwood honey, a specialty prized enough that it commands premium prices at farmers markets across the South — but you don't need bees to appreciate the tree itself. It's a slow-to-moderate-growing native that reaches 20 to 30 feet, opens drooping white summer flowers that resemble Lily of the Valley, and turns some of the most vivid red of any native tree come fall. It's hardy in USDA zones 5–9. TN Nursery ships it bare root, Buy 1 Get 1 Free.

The "Lily of the Valley tree" nickname comes from those summer blooms, and the resemblance is close enough that it's the more common name in some regions. It's native to the Appalachian region but adapts well to Eastern and Southern landscapes given the right soil.

The soil requirement that actually matters

Sourwood belongs to the heath family, the same family as blueberries and rhododendrons, and shares their one real requirement: acidic soil. Plant it in neutral or alkaline ground and it struggles; plant it in loose, acidic, moist soil and it rewards you with the best fall color it's capable of. If your soil runs alkaline, working in iron sulfate before planting brings it into range.

Worth the wait

Growth is slow to moderate, which is the one tradeoff for everything else sourwood offers. In exchange, you get four-season interest: white flowers in summer, brilliant red foliage in fall, bark that develops attractive ridges with age, and a tree that rarely needs pruning to keep a tidy, natural shape. It's also a host plant for the lettered sphinx moth and several other native species.

Where to plant it

Full sun to partial shade works, though full sun brings out the most intense fall color. It fits naturally into a woodland garden or works as a specimen tree where its late-summer bloom and fall display can be seen up close. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially while it's establishing, and mulch around the base to help retain moisture and build organic matter in the soil.

Planting a bare-root sourwood

Plant while dormant, from late fall through early spring, at the depth it grew previously. Soak the roots for a couple of hours first, backfill with native soil amended with compost or leaf mold if your soil needs more organic matter, and water thoroughly until the tree is established.

At a glance

Botanical name: Oxydendrum arboreum
Family: Ericaceae (heath family)
Mature size: 20–30 ft tall
Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained
Bloom time: Midsummer
Fall color: Brilliant red
Zones: 5–9
Ships as: Bare root, 1–2 and 2–3 ft
Notable traits: Source of sourwood honey, host plant for native moths, four-season interest, minimal pruning needed

Questions people ask

Why is sourwood special?

It combines drooping white summer flowers with some of the most vivid red fall foliage of any native tree, plus the nectar source for prized sourwood honey.

Where does sourwood grow best?

In well-drained, acidic soil, full sun to partial shade. It's native to the Appalachians but adapts to many Eastern and Southern landscapes in the right soil.

How fast does it grow?

Slowly to moderately, rewarding patience with increasingly good color and structure as it matures.

Does it attract pollinators?

Yes. Its midsummer blooms draw bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Can it tolerate clay or alkaline soil?

Not well. It prefers acidic, loose, well-drained soil; amending alkaline or clay soil with organic matter and iron sulfate helps.

How tall does sourwood get?

Most mature trees reach 20 to 30 feet, a good mid-sized ornamental for yards and woodland edges.

About TN Nursery

Three generations of the same Tennessee family have grown native trees on this ground since 1959, supplying plantings for projects at the Washington Monument and Arlington National Cemetery. Each sourwood is dug while dormant and shipped bare root so it establishes quickly. Read more in Sourwood Tree in Landscapes on our blog, or browse our trees collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sourwood trees good for anything?

Yes, Sourwood trees are excellent for both beauty and pollinator support. They produce fragrant white blooms that attract bees and yield prized sourwood honey. Their brilliant red fall foliage also makes them one of the most stunning ornamental trees in any landscape.
How tall does a sourwood tree get?

A Sourwood tree typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall with a narrow, pyramidal shape. It’s known for its elegant white summer blooms and brilliant red fall color. With sunlight and good soil, it grows strong and adds lasting beauty to any yard.
What are the cons of sourwood trees?

There are no cons to Sourwood trees—they’re stunning, easy to grow, and full of charm. Their white summer blooms attract bees, and their fiery red fall color is unmatched. This graceful tree enhances any landscape with beauty and resilience.
Root system of a plant on soil with a trowel nearby

Why Buy Bare Root Plants From TN Nursery?

Since 1959, TN Nursery has grown and shipped quality bare root plants nationwide. Shipped during dormancy, bare-root plants develop strong root systems and establish quickly. Our experienced team carefully harvests and packages every order, providing growers with trusted plants backed by over 65 years of nursery experience.

Learn More About

Bare root trees
TN Nursery satisfaction guarantee badge - TN Nursery

Fragrant Flowers: 

The Sourwood Tree produces delightful, fragrant white blooms in summer, adding a pleasant scent to your garden.

TN Nursery satisfaction guarantee badge - TN Nursery

Unique Appearance: 

With its distinctive flower clusters and attractive bark, the Sourwood Tree stands out as a focal point in any landscape.

TN Nursery satisfaction guarantee badge - TN Nursery

Wildlife Friendly: 

The blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local wildlife and enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.

TN Nursery satisfaction guarantee badge - TN Nursery

Vibrant Fall Foliage: 

In autumn, the tree’s leaves turn a stunning red, providing a beautiful contrast and seasonal interest.

‹
›

How We Dig, Pack & Ship

Fall Digging

Spring Digging

Packing Orders

Customer Unboxing Video

  • 5 stars: 41 (80%)
  • 4 stars: 10 (20%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
A
Anna

So excited to have finally found a Sourwood tree. It is very healthy and beautiful. Thank you!

Anna review photo
C
Charlotte Davis, Tennessee
Sourwood Tree Brings Unique Beauty

The Sourwood Tree from TN Nursery has brought unique beauty to my garden. Its summer blooms and fall color are both outstanding. The tree was healthy and strong right out of the box.

B
Benjamin Walker, Ohio
Sourwood Tree Thriving in My Yard

The Sourwood Tree I purchased is thriving in my landscape. It came with well-developed roots and lush foliage. TN Nursery always provides top-quality trees, and this one is no exception.

O
Olivia Martinez, Georgia
Top-Quality Sourwood Tree from TN Nursery

The Sourwood Tree from TN Nursery exceeded my expectations. It was delivered quickly, packaged carefully, and is already growing well in my yard. Its seasonal color makes it an excellent choice.

D
David Scott, Kentucky
Sourwood Tree Adds Seasonal Beauty

I love the Sourwood Tree I received from TN Nursery. It provides year-round interest with beautiful flowers in summer and brilliant red foliage in the fall. The tree was shipped fresh and healthy.

S
Sophia Johnson, North Carolina
Sourwood Tree with Stunning Summer Blooms

The Sourwood Tree I ordered is gorgeous. Its clusters of creamy-white flowers bring beauty and fragrance to my landscape. TN Nursery provided a strong, healthy tree that transplanted with ease.

J
James Mitchell, Pennsylvania
Healthy and Thriving Sourwood Tree

My Sourwood Tree from TN Nursery is thriving beautifully. It came well-packaged, with a strong root system, and adapted quickly to my garden soil. The leaves are vibrant and full of life.

E
Emily Carter, Virginia
Beautiful Sourwood Tree from TN Nursery

The Sourwood Tree I purchased from TN Nursery arrived in excellent condition. Its unique shape and striking summer flowers make it a standout in my yard. I am very impressed with the quality.

S
Sue
Look great

Trees arrived yesterday. Look great planting today zone 8. We shall see. Not my first barefoot purchase from TN. It's been hit or miss. Could be operator error(me) not faulty merchandise. I am stubborn and keep trying.

J
Jed Young

Sourwood Tree

D
David Laird
sourwood trees

my 4 sourtrees arrived in really good condition. I planted them the afternoon they arrived. Roots looked very good on 3 of the 4 trees (fibrous root present) and just good on one (few fibrous roots present). pleased with the condition!

J
Jason Dennis
Excellent

Quick shipping and quality trees at a reasonable price. Will definitely buy from again.

A
Andrew Stancil
Sourwood tree

The tree that I received was in perfect condition! It had great roots and still had plenty of moisture for the tree! I will definitely be ordering from here again!

J
Jeff Duncan
Strong sapling

Sourwood saplings arrived with a good root system and sturdy trunk.

R
Robert Hundley
Sourwood

TN makes it very easy to order trees which the big box stores typically don't offer.

S
Sam Golston
Sourwood

Arrived healthy and strong. My beehives are close to the plantings, so the honey bees will produce succulent honey.

J
Jason Breedlove
Sourwood trees

Shipping was prompt and on time. The Sourwood trees were shipped bare root. Upon inspection the roots were still damp. As the tree's are dormare, I'll have to wait until spring to give an update. Thus far I give 5 stars.

R
Robert L. Thomas
Latest message

The 4 trees I received looked to be healthy enough to grow. I immediately opened the box ,placed them in water and planted them as required the next day using stakes to hold them in place. I hope this batck will survive the winter so I can start planting more next Fall. Bob T

D
Donna Crosby
Sourwood Tree

The two sourwood trees I ordered arrive looking healthy and I planted them right away. I was a little disappointed to see one of the tree’s leader branch was broken off. I hope it grows a stronger new one.

B
Barbara Myszka
Great plants.

Bought 3 sourwood plants. They arrived In late October. Plants looked very healthy and had great development roots. Keeping fingers crossed to see them grow new leaves in spring. Northern NJ

D
Denis Hanley
Nice trees

Took longer than I thought to get them, but they were packed well and alive.

R
Ray M Horst
Nice root system

Nice root system to go along with the tree

W
Wayne Palmer

Sourwood Tree

C
Carson Sullivan

Sourwood Tree

J
Judith Doll
Very Happy

The tree was packed nicely The roots looked very healthy.

C
Chris Chadwick
Best Trees yet

Thank you for much better trees than previous orders…. Taller, Thicker Stems and sturdy….

V
Victor Parker
sourwood trees

good quality packaged well

k
kenneth harjo

Bare-root arrived in good condition, as expected. Thank you.

C
Christie Smith
Arrived quickly

The plants arrived quickly, well packaged and healthy.

B
Bee keeper
Bare root sourwood trees

Shipped out the next day even though the website said they wouldn’t ship till February. Arrived in excellent condition with good roots. Very happy with my purchase.

M
Mark Chilluffo
Sourwood

Impressed with the quality and packaging of these tree. Will def buy more products from TNNursery

M
Mark Chilluffo
Sourwood

Impressed with the quality and packaging of these tree. Will def buy more products from TNNursery

M
Mark
Sourwood trees

Arrived very well packaged and in excellent condition