122 



\<itive Trees of Kentucky 



b. Sonrivood Oxydendron arboreum. 



Sourwood, Sorrel Tree, or Lily of the Valley Tree, is common 

 in the State, but found most abundantly in the mountains. 



As an ornamental tree, it is highly prized for its long racemes 

 of white, bell-shaped flowers, its vivid autumn foliag'e and per- 

 sistent, small, dry capsules. 



The small, perfect flow r ers, blossoming from May to July, are 

 in pendent racemes at the ends of branches. 



The acid in the leaves and twigs is responsible for its descrip- 

 tive name. 



Tree small, irregular oblong top and slender branches. 



Bark thick, red gray. 



Leaves alternate, deciduous, oblong, tapering at base. 



Fruit small, dry capsules, borne on curved stalks. 



