Fairly common understory tree in areas with dry, acidic soil. Fragrant sprays of small white flowers in early summer and brilliant scarlet leaves in fall. The large, simple, finely serrate leaves have an acidic taste, similar to wood-sorrel (Oxalis). Young leaves are edible. Can be difficult to remember how to spell -- note that the genus is not spelled Oxydendron and the species is not arboretum.
Hanging sprays of fragrant white urceolate (urn-shaped) flowers, arranged in racemes, appear in late spring. They are very popular with bees and other insects.
The butterfly is a Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus).
Moore Co., NC 6/10/06.
Sprays of up-pointed capsules full of minute seeds follow the flowers in fall.
