common silverbell

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

10-40 ft. tall
25-35 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Dry Soil, Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds need a warm moist stratification followed by a cold moist stratification and may still take up to two years to germinate, but will usually germinate within weeks. Root cuttings and softwood cuttings can be rooted for propagation.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 35 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

Leaves can become chlorotic in soils that are too alkaline.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds, Supports numerous caterpillars (bird food)

Leaves

Leaves alternate, oblong to ovate with dentate to serrate margins.

Flowers

Mainly white, sometimes pink, bell-shaped flowers.

Fruit

Drupe.

Bark

Young twigs are brown and smooth. Older bark forms scaling plates.

Toxicity

No know toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Bottomlands, slopes, and creek banks with moist soils.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in South Carolina coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Common in the mountains.

Subspecies

Halesia tetraptera var. tetraptera

Halesia tetraptera var. monticola