Halesia diptera J. Ellis

Two Winged Silverbell; Snowdrop Tree

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Two Winged Silverbell is a native small deciduous tree in the Storax family (Styracaceae). It can be found in the southern half of Alabama. Two Winged Silverbell occurs along rivers and streams, on slopes, and in ravines. It is a small tree growing from 15-30 feet in height. The bark on young twigs is smooth and peels in long, thin strings. The bark on older stems and the trunk is reddish brown with whitish stripes in furrows. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate to orbicular in outline, with irregular shallow teeth. Both surfaces of the leaf are sparsely pubescent, and the lower surface is paler green than the upper surface. Flowers are produced in axillary fascicles or short racemes of 2-7 flowers. The flowers have 4 white petals that are untied only at their base. The flowers are produced before or with the leaves. The fruit is dry, indehiscent, and has two broad corky wings. Two Winged Silverbell is often available from nurseries. It prefers a moist, organic rich soil and full or partial sun. Plants can be grown from seed, but they require 2 years to germinate. Variety magniflora has flowers that are about 1 ½ times the size of the typical variety.--A. Diamond

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Native FAC (NWPL)

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