Styrax americanus
American Snowbell
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Gets 6-9' tall and wide, sometimes to10-15' tall, w/ a rounded habit.
Native Range
Kentucky Native — Native from Virginia to Florida, and west to Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. A wetland species, found in marshes and lowlands, along streams, or even in standing water. Introduced into cultivation in 1765.
Flower and Fruit Details
Small clusters of fragrant, 1" white flowers in May-June, or occasionally as early as late April. Flowers hang from 1/4-1/2" pedicels at the tips of short twigs, are bell-shaped, w/ highly reflexed lobes, & 5 narrow petals. Fruits are obovoid, gray, pubescent 1/3" dry drupes, developing in August-September.
Leaf and Bark Features
Deciduous: Leaves are simple, alternate, narrow oval or obovate, acute to acuminate at the tip, 1.5-3.5" long, w/ an entire or serrulate margin, bright green on top, somewhat pubescent beneath. Petiole is 1/8" long. No significant fall color. Young stems are slender, light brown, zigzag, w/ stringy bark, w/ a solid green pith. Older bark is gray-brown, w/ some orange-brown.
Culture and Care
Best growth is in cool, moist, acid, organic, well-drained soil such as sandy loams. Zone 5-9, but some tip dieback may occur from severe winters in Zone 5-6. Partial shade is desirable, but tolerates full sun. Organic mulch is beneficial for roots. . Likes medium to wet moisture conditions. Prune while still dormant, in late winter/early spring, as needed. Usually has few or no serious insect or disease problems. Cankers & ambrosia beetles could become problems.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall.
Suggested Uses
Good in the native plant garden, woodland garden, wet areas, rain garden, or shrub border.