Halesia carolina
Carolina Silverbell

Previously known as: Halesia monticola, Halesia tetraptera

Family:

Styracaceae (Storax Family) 4

Genus:

Halesia (Silverbell) 3

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 572

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 517

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 838

Flower Notes:

White (Spring; pendulous white 0.5" dia. bell-shaped flowers in clusters of 5)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Summer foliage); Yellow (Fall foliage)

Stem Notes:

Brown (Slender, glabrous or densely pubescents becoming slightly pubescent or remaining glabrous.)

Fruit Notes:

Yellow (4-winged fruit; fall)

Ultimate Height:

30-40 feet

Ultimate Spread:

20-35 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers acidic soil that's not too wet or too dry

Maintenance:

Low 266

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are alternate, simple, 2-5" long and half as wide, ovate to elliptic, finely serrated, glabrous dark green above, and pubescent below. Look for the interesting 1-1.5" 4-sided winged pods. No terminal buds. Lateral buds are stalked.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

This small tree is interesting in bloom and rather neutral otherwise, but relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).