American snowbell

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

6-10 ft. tall
6-10 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By air-layering

Plant Propagation Notes

Seed propagation requires 60-90 days cold moist stratification. Seed should be collected when it is glossy brown and the capsule has begun to dry. Seed should not be collected from the ground. Can also be propagated by air layering or softwood cuttings.

Plant Planting Notes

Prefers acid, organically rich soil.

Plants/Diseases

No serious insect or disease problems.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

The deciduous leaves are alternate, simple with 5-8 secondary veins. One to 3 inches long, elliptical to ovate with serrate margins.

Flowers

Showy and fragrant white flowers hang down like a bell with 4-5 petals.

Fruit

Capsules are globose, gray, and pubescent.

Bark

The dark gray bark is thin and smooth when young, but fissures with maturity.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Wooded floodplains, swamps, boggy slopes.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon or rare in SC