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mountain silverbell

Scientific Name: Halesia tetraptera

Family: Styracaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: KY (common silverbell)

       

Mountain Silverbell (Halesia monticola)

The Mountain Silverbell, a delightful tree native to the Appalachian Mountains, is prized for its elegant, bell-shaped flowers and attractive form. It's a wonderful addition to gardens and landscapes, offering a touch of springtime beauty.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions seedpods and new buds, which may be of interest to pets.
  • The plant produces small fruit.
  • The text mentions exfoliating bark.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions seedpods and new buds, which may be of interest to children.
  • The plant produces small fruit.
  • The text mentions exfoliating bark.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Halesia monticola
  • Common Names: Mountain Silverbell, Carolina Silverbell, Snowdrop Tree, Silverbell Tree, Opossum Wood
  • Family: Styracaceae
  • Synonyms and Related Taxa:
    • Halesia carolina var. monticola Rehder
    • Halesia carolina subsp. monticola (Rehder)
    • Halesia tetraptera var. monticola
    • Halesia tetraptera Ellis
    • Halesia carolina

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.
  • Common at higher elevations in the southwestern quarter of North Carolina, especially in and near the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • It can be found in the Southern Appalachians.
  • It thrives on shallow, dry, rocky soils.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 40 feet tall, but in gardens and landscapes, it typically reaches 20 to 30 feet.
  • It has an upright-spreading crown.
  • The flowers are pure white and pendent, resembling snowdrops. They appear in clusters.
  • The tree has alternate leaves.
  • The fruit is described as 4-winged.

Quirky Facts

  • Introduced into Great Britain in 1756 and was called Snowdrop or Silverbell Tree.

Ecological Role

  • The leaves attract caterpillars.
  • The tree provides resources for migratory birds.

Further Information

  • University of Connecticut
  • Dave's Garden
  • North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG)