Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) – Bare Root Seedlings

$14.99 USD

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Size 6-12" 12-18"

Quantity 3-Pack 25-Pack

The tree behind some of the most prized honey in America

By: Veteran Berries

A Top Nectar Source for Honeybees + A Stunning Native Landscape Tree

Give your land a beautiful, hard-working tree that both pollinators and homeowners love.

The Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) is famous for its cascading summer blooms and for producing one of the most sought-after honeys in North America. If you keep bees, want to increase pollinator activity, or simply want a striking native hardwood with four-season appeal, sourwood is a smart long-term choice.

Why Sourwood Is a Must-Have for Beekeepers

Sourwood is widely recognized as one of the strongest midsummer nectar producers among native trees.

When many plants slow down during the summer nectar gap, sourwood trees burst into bloom with long chains of fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers. Honey bees work these trees relentlessly.

Beekeepers value sourwood because it provides:

Heavy nectar flow during midsummer when forage is limited
Consistent bee activity throughout the day
Production of legendary sourwood honey — light-colored, smooth, and highly prized
A floral scent that attracts pollinators from a distance

If you want your property buzzing with life, sourwood delivers.

Seasonal Beauty All Year

Spring: Fresh green foliage emerges, signaling strong early growth
Summer: Elegant white bloom clusters rich in nectar
Fall: Brilliant red, purple, and bronze foliage
Winter: Decorative seed capsules and strong branch structure

It’s a true four-season native showpiece.

Growing Characteristics

Mature Height: 25–30 feet
Mature Spread: 15–20 feet
Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Growth Rate: Moderate (approximately 13–24 inches per year under good conditions)
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Acidic, well-drained soils
Water Needs: Regular watering during establishment; drought-tolerant once established

Sourwood naturally thrives in forest edges and woodland settings, making it an excellent choice for homesteads, apiaries, and pollinator corridors.

Planting Tips for Best Success

Plant in early spring or fall while the tree is dormant
Choose a site with acidic, well-drained soil
Amend planting hole with compost if native soil is poor
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base (keep mulch off the trunk)
Water deeply and consistently during the first 1–2 growing seasons
Avoid heavy pruning — sourwood performs best when allowed to grow naturally

Once established, sourwood is low-maintenance and long-lived.

The Best of Both Worlds

Pollinator Powerhouse + Landscape Showpiece

The Sourwood Tree combines beauty, longevity, and unmatched pollinator value. Whether you’re planting for future honey production or building a diverse nectar source for your bees, this tree is a rewarding investment that pays dividends for decades.