Carolina Silverbell

Halesia carolina (HAIL-see-ah kay-roh-LEE-nah)

Family: Styracaceae Native Canopy (>40 ft)

Carolina silverbell is a native North Carolina flowering tree in the storax family (Styracaceae). It is most commonly found in the Great Smoky Mountains but extends throughout the mountain regions and into the upper Piedmont. The genus name honors Stephen Hales (1677–1761), an English clergyman, inventor, physiologist and botanist. The species epithet refers to the Carolinas, where this plant was first collected by botanists. Carolina silverbell is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils in part shade. It has an irregular, spreading, open crown and yellow fall color. It suffers during drought, so it will need supplemental irrigation. Carolina silverbell is sensitive to heat, drought and soil compaction. In nature, Carolina silverbell can usually be found in moist slopes, coves, creek-banks, and bottomlands. It can be grown as a large multi-trunked shrub or trained into a small understory tree. The tree rarely reaches more than 80 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 2 feet. It grows large enough for commercial use only in the most favorable locations. Large trees can have very dramatic leaning, twisting trunks. The tree will bloom when it is only a few years old and continue blooming during its life expectancy of up to 100 years. Some horticulturists draw a distinction between H. carolina and H. tetraptera . Both have the same characteristics and are treated here as synonyms, but some contend that H. tetraptera is better acclimated to the more northern USDA zones of 7 and 8. As treated here, the hardier plants are those taken from northern populations of H. carolina . It makes an attractive specimen plant for a lawn or in a shrub border or woodland garden and is occasionally planted as an ornamental. It can be used in a rain garden. It also looks attractive planted with rhododendrons and azaleas. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems, though not tolerant of salt or compacted soils. Leaves can become chlorotic in high-pH soils. Carolina Silverbell should be protected from high winds because its wood is relatively weak and soft.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 68 attributes.