sorrel tree

noun

1. a North American tree, Oxydendrum arboreum, of the heath family, having leaves with an acid flavor and drooping clusters of white flowers.

sorrel tree

noun

1. a deciduous ericaceous tree, Oxydendrum arboreum, of E North America, having deeply fissured bark, sour-tasting leaves, and small white flowers Also calledsourwood

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorrel tree¹

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorrel tree¹

C17: so called because the bitter flavour of the leaves is reminiscent of sorrel

Example Sentences

There is nothing more inspiring than the variety of greens in the spring foliage, the diversity of color in the spring blossoms and the wonderful display of autumnal tints offered by the sweet gum, sassafras, dogwood, black gum, red maple, sugar maple, scarlet oak, blue beech, sorrel tree, ash and gingko.

From Project Gutenberg