Sourwood

Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) DC.

Family: EricaceaeZones: 5a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a hazard to people.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Sourwood is in the heath family (Ericaceae), which includes azalea and rhododendron that ASPCA lists as toxic, but that is not a verdict for this species. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun to part shade per NC State.
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of NC State: prefers moist, well-drained soil; drainage good, moist or occasionally dry. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 20-30 ft tall and 10-15 ft wide

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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