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The Sourwood tree, also called Sour Gum or Sorrel
Tree, grow to heights over 60 feet with a diameter of about 12 inches. The
leaves are oblong, pointed at the top, and have an acidic or "sour" taste. The
flowers are 5-6 inches long, white in color and hang in clusters at the ends of
the branches. During the bloom, these tiny white cream-colored bell-shaped
flowers make the mountains look like they are laced with snow. Sourwood is
native to the Appalachians of southeastern North America from southern Ohio and
Pennsylvania down into Northern Georgia. Northeast Georgia is the premium
location for the Sourwood. |
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| The tree begins to bloom in late June, through July and into August,
providing storehouses of nectar from which bees make excellent honey.
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| The fruit is a conical, dry capsule, 1/3 - 1/2 inch in
length, containing numerous small seeds. In late August the foliage of young
Sourwood trees will begin to turn red and by mid October the leaves are dark to
bright red. The small green/gray fruits provide an extra colorful contrast.
Sourwood is of little value as a commercial timber species. In the early days
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the wagon roads were built, the trunks of smaller
trees were used for the runners of mule-drawn land sleds that moved supplies
from the cities or rail stops into the mountain regions. The wood is heavy,
hard, very close-grained, brown in color, and sometimes tinged with red. Today,
the wood is used to make tool handles, and is used with a mixture of other
species for pulp. |
| Sourwood honey is an extra-light water-white to light
amber in color and is extremely aromatic. It has a mild, unique flavor that is
good from breakfast to late night deserts. Sourwood honey is considered by some
aficionados to be the most delicious in the eastern states. |
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