[SORREL sb.1] The sourwood or elk-tree of North America, Oxydendrum arboreum (Andromeda arborea).
1687. Phil. Trans., XLI. 152. The Sorrel-tree bears a Leaf something like a Laurel.
1717. Petiveriana, III. 247. Sorrel or Sowre-tree. Because its Leaves have that Taste; some are a Foot diameter.
1760. J. Lee, Introd. Bot., App. 317. Sorrel-tree, Andromeda.
1821. W. P. C. Barton, Flora N. Amer., I. 107. The sorrel tree itself, however, degenerates into a shrub.
1866. Treas. Bot., 472/1. The leaves of Eubotrys arborea have an acid flavour, whence the name of Sorrel-tree.