sourwood (Oxydendrum
arboreum )
Family: Ericaceae
Form: Medium sized tree 40 - 60 ft. in height and a dbh of 1 ft.; irregular crown
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Leaves:
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Bark: The bark is dark gray often tinged with red and deeply furrowed.
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Twigs and buds: Twigs are slender dark green to red. Buds are partially embedded without a terminal bud.
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Flowers and fruit: Small bell-like flowers yield an excellent honey.
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Distinguishing characteristics: sharp hairs along the midrib*, sour tastes when chewed, lacking terminal bud, deeply furrowed bark.
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Range: Pennsylvania south to Louisiana and east into Florida.
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Silvics: tolerant; dry to mesic uplands; acid soil
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Ecological and cultural importance: The wood was traditionally used for sled runners as well as tool handles and pulp. Sprouts are browsed by white-tailed deer.
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