Oxydendrum arboreum – Sourwood

In the same plant family as rhododendron, mountain laurel, azalea and blueberry, Sourwood has multi-season interest. In Summer, it is decorated with profuse sprays of creamy white, slightly fragrant flowers that resemble those of Lily of the Valley and are also a favorite of honeybees and native bees. In Fall it has almost unrivaled scarlet foliage that contrasts with its pendulous, tan seedpods. The seedpods persist into winter when they decorate the bare branches.