Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a small ornamental tree that is a prized for its beautiful blooms, fall color and relatively easy care. With care, sourwoods can be over-achievers that are decorative. Location. Sourwood grows gradually to its mature, 2 5- to 50-foot peak and 12- to 20-foot spread. It wonât execute properly where other quickly developing trees block the sunlight it enjoys. Sourwoodtrees offer delight in every season. If you are thinking of planting sourwoodtrees, you'll want to learn more sourwoodtree information. Click this article to learn about the planting and careofsourwoodtrees. A Sourwoodtree is a deciduous flowering. It has a straight trunk, dark green leaves, and white blooms in the summer. Its leaves turn red in autumn.How Do You Take CareOfSourwoodTrees?Plant your tree where it will receive enough sun. SourwoodTreeCare. By Judy Wolfe, ContributorUpdated 5:39 p.m. The botanical equivalent of operatic divas, sourwoodtrees (Oxydendrum arboreum) compensate for their temperamental quirks with four-season performance. How fast does a sourwoodtree grow? The sourwoodtree, known as Oxydendrum arboreum, is a slow grower. While many people are drawn to the beauty of this tree, it requires patience regarding its growth rate. On average, sourwoodtrees grow about 1 to 2 feet per year. More Information. Care Knowledge. Sourwood is an attractive tree with white flowers that bloom in early summer and excellent fall color. It can be difficult to grow in northern Illinois because it requires acidic soil. Family (English) Heath. Family (botanic) Ericaceae. Tree or plant type Tree. SourwoodTreeCare Tips. Once your sourwoodtree takes root in the soil, it demands minimal care. This tree is not fussy and experiences few pest or disease problems. Ensure it's sited correctly and receives adequate watering during its first two years of growth. Sourwood is one of the first trees to turn fall colors in the Eastern forest. By late August, it is common to see foliage of young sourwoodtrees along roadsides beginning to turn red. The fall color ofsourwood is a striking red and orange and associated with blackgum and sassafras. The Sourwoodtree is a medium height forest tree that requires full to partial sun. It is seldom found in solid stands but, generally as scattered individuals. It is considered an intermediate crown class tree. This means it must find its place between the overstory trees.