Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina)
The Carolina silverbell is most noted for its delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers that appear in drooping clusters. These flowers are followed by oval shaped fruits that have 4 distinct green to brown wings. This tree attracts insect pollinators and small mammals.
Family: Styracaceae (Storax)
Characteristics: The 2-inch to 5-inch-long leaves are yellow-green, toothed, ovate-oblong, and usually do not change color in the fall. In April, before or with the leaves, white, bell-shaped, and delicate flowers begin to bloom in drooping clusters. These flowers are followed by 1 inch long, oval shaped fruits that have 4 distinct wings. Bark is gray and has white stripping. This tree is often multi-trunked, low branching, and has a rounded crown. Single trunk trees will usually have a more pyramidal or oval shape. This tree grows 30-40 feet high and 20-30 feet wide.
Foliage: Deciduous (leaves lost seasonally)
Geographic Origin: Southeastern United States (native)
Cultivation Notes: Requires low maintenance. Does best in part-shade, though can also tolerate full sun. Prefers acidic, moist, and well-drained soil.
Number on Campus: 1
Sources: Dirr, Morton Arboretum, Missouri Botanical Garden