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American snowbell

Scientific Name: Styrax americanus

Family: Styracaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IL (storax), OH (snowbell)

       

American Snowbell (Styrax americanus)

The American snowbell, with its profusion of showy, fragrant white bell-shaped flowers, is a delightful addition to any landscape. Blooming in spring, the flowers create a stunning visual display, covering the plant like a "fragrant, white cloud."

Considerations for Pets

  • The text refers to "seeds" of the American Snowbell being sold, suggesting the presence of small parts that could be a potential choking hazard for pets if ingested.

Considerations for Children

  • The text refers to "seeds" of the American Snowbell being sold, suggesting the presence of small parts that could be a potential choking hazard for children if ingested.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Styrax americanus Lam.
  • Common Names: American Snowbell, Mock-Orange, Storax
  • Family: Styracaceae
  • Synonyms: Styrax americana (note the slightly different spelling)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southeastern United States and the Ohio Valley.
  • Specifically mentioned as native to Georgia and found throughout the North Florida Panhandle.
  • Also noted as occurring in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, though rare in the Piedmont region.
  • Found in moist hardwood forests.
  • Reportedly grows from southeastern Virginia.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing to 6-10 feet, but can reach up to 15 feet.
  • Some texts note the height can range from 5-8 feet or up to 10 meters (33 feet).
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, elliptical or obovate, and 1 to 3 inches long.
  • The crown is widely branched.
  • Flowers are borne in pairs from leaf axils.
  • Flowers are white, bell-shaped with reflexed petals.

Quirky Facts

  • The American Snowbell is considered a native counterpart to the Japanese Snowbells, which are more frequently used in American gardens.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Pollinators are drawn to the flowers.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden: A community sharing gardening tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.
  • University of Connecticut: Source of information and disclaimers.
  • JC Raulston Arboretum: Known for its impressive Styrax (snowbell) collection.
  • PlantRealFlorida.org: Connects users with sources for native plants.