A small tree in the southeastern U.S. Sourwood honey is prized by gourmets. The Oxydendron genus is monotypic. Leaves are deciduous, up to 8" in length, alternate, oval to oblong, finely serrate, sour-tasting, and turn scarlet in the fall. Twigs have one bundle scar and buds with dark red imbricate scales. Fruit is a small gray capsule appearing in spike-like clusters. Bark is dark and blocky (alligator hide).