Marcus, Joseph A.
Halesia diptera Ellis
Two-wing silverbell, Silver bell, Two-winged silverbell, Snowdrop tree, American snowdrop tree
Styracaceae (Snowball Family)
A small, rounded
tree or
shrub, two-winged silverbell or American snowdrop
tree is usually multi-stemmed or low-branched. The plant grows 3–15 feet high and has
alternate leaves 2–7 inches long and half as wide, with distinct veins.
Deciduous leaves are dark-yellow-green in summer, changing to yellow in fall. The white, tubular flowers hang on long,
pendulous pedicels and are about 1 inch across and consist of 4 waxy petals with a tight cluster of
stamens in the center, looking somewhat like a white candle in a white candle holder. A two-winged
fruit cures tan for fall. The
bark of young trees is striped and becomes furrowed in an interesting pattern with age.
The common and scientific names both refer to the two-winged fruit. This immature sour green
fruit is consumed by wildlife, including squirrels.
Image Gallery:
30 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , LA , MS , SC , TX
Native Distribution: SC to AR, s. to FL & TX
Native Habitat: Rich woods; swamp margins
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rich, well-drained soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Acid-based
Conditions Comments: This species blooms 1-2 weeks later than H. carolina. Though not drought-tolerant, this species seems to adapt to other cultural extremes. A common variety, var. magniflora, is more heavily flowered and drought-tolerant than the species.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Understory
tree, Accent
tree or
shrub Conspicuous Flowers: yes
2011-03-18
