Oxydendrum arboreum

Oxydendrum arboreum is a deciduous tree growing to 10 m (32 ft) tall with a 6 m (19 ft) spread at a slow growth rate. Hardy to UK zone 5. Hermaphroditic flowers bloom July to August, with seeds ripening in September. It prefers light sandy or medium loamy well-drained soils and thrives in mildly acid to very acid pH. The tree grows in semi-shade or full sun and requires moist soil.

Description

A deciduous tree. It grows 5-20 m tall. The tree is broadly cone shaped. The bark is thick and grey-brown. It is deeply furrowed. They leaves are oblong and 20 cm long by 7.5 cm wide. They taper to a fine point. They have very fine teeth. They are glossy dark green and smooth above and slightly hairy underneath. They turn red-yellow or purple in autumn. The leaves are long and sour tasting. The flowers are small and white. They are urn shaped and have a scent. They occur in large upright clusters. They are at the ends of the shoots. The fruit is a woody brown capsule.

Edible Uses

The leaves can be eaten raw and have a pleasant acid flavour that helps to allay thirst.

Traditional Uses

The young tender leaves are eaten. They are sour. The plant is the source of a sweet honey.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are cardiac, diuretic, refrigerant, and tonic. A tea made from the leaves has been used to treat asthma, diarrhoea, and indigestion, and to check excessive menstrual bleeding. It is diuretic and serves as a folk remedy for fevers and kidney and bladder ailments. The bark has been chewed to treat mouth ulcers.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It is native to eastern North America. It grows in woods and by streams. It needs humus rich, acid soil. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Where It Grows

Australia, Britain, Europe, North America*, Tasmania, USA,

Cultivation

It can be grown from seed or softwood cuttings.

Propagation

Surface sow seed in a shady position in a greenhouse either as soon as it is ripe in autumn or in late winter. Germination is variable. Move outside to a shady spot as soon as it germinates and overwinter in a frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on for at least their first winter before planting out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Seedlings are susceptible to damping off and should be kept well-ventilated and not over-watered. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July or August in a frame. Layering is also an option.

Other Uses

The wood is heavy, hard, attractive, and very close-grained, weighing 46lb per cubic foot. It is sometimes used for panelling, tool handles, bearings, and similar applications.

Notes

There is one Oxydendrum species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Lily-of-the-valley-tree

References (15)

• Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
• Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 737
• Coombes, A.J., 2000, Trees. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks. p 143
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 966
• Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 504

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