The sourwood tree, growing only in the Appalachian Mountains, is a renown nectar source for honeybees. The honey made from this nectar is famous for being among the best honey ever. If you’re a beekeeper, you know all about the summer nectar dearth.
Most flowers bloom in the spring so the trees can maximize the time they have to get pollinated, grow seeds and reproduce. This includes prolific nectar producers like the tulip poplar, black gum, willows and most fruit trees like apple and peach trees.
When these trees’ flowers are gone, and before late summer and autumn flowers bloom, there is a dearth of nectar sources for the bees. This can be a tough time for bees. Without steady sources of nectar, they may have to start dipping into their food stores that are normally set aside for the winter.
The sourwood tree, also known as the sorrel tree, is renowned for its stunning white flowers that bloom in midsummer, typically from June to July. These flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters, adding a unique charm to any landscape. The sourwood tree thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and requires full sun exposure for optimal blooming. To encourage full bloom, ensure the tree receives adequate sunlight, maintain healthy soil, and provide proper watering and fertilization. Bees play a crucial role in pollination, ensuring successful seed production in sourwood trees. By creating optimal growing conditions, gardeners can enjoy the beautiful blooms of the sourwood tree during the blooming season.
Fun facts:
- The name sourwood comes from the sour taste of their leaves.
- Their flowers resemble lilly-of-the-valley flowers and it is sometimes called the Lilly of the Valley tree.
- The Catabaw and Cherokees used the sourwood trees to make arrow shafts.
- Pioneers used the sap from the sourwood as an ingredient in a tincture to treat fevers, the bark was chewed to soothe mouth pains, and tea made from the leaves was used for treating intestinal issues.
But why do honeybees just love sourwood trees?
Honeybees love sourwood trees for their abundant nectar in the mid-summer dearth when other food sources are unavailable. In favorable conditions, the nectar can be shaken in droplets from a blooming sourwood tree.
Sourwood honey is considered a true gem among artisanal beekeepers due to its distinct flavor profile and unique production process. It is a true seasonal delicacy that captures the essence of the mountains and foothills where it’s made—a distinct taste of place that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Sourwood is a mid-canopy tree growing up to 60 feet tall. It will generally start blooming in its seventh year of growth, depending on growing conditions.
If you’re a beekeeper, you probably are already watching which flowers and trees are in bloom in the forage range of your hives.
If you’re just a honey-lover, watch and support your local beekeepers. Ask for sourwood honey in late summer. Sourwood blooms starting in late June and can run until late July. If you’re lucky enough to find true sourwood honey, you’re in for a treat.
And if you want to grow a sourwood tree or maybe even a few, Hilltop Haven has sourwood trees available! Send us an email if you’re interested: Hilltophavenhoney@gmail.com
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