(Halesia diptera)
The Storax (Snowbell) Family (Styracaceae)
Delicate small tree or large shrub with branches growing from the base forming a multi-trunk with brown to reddish-brown bark. Light green, alternate deciduous leaves almost as wide as they are long, that are colorful in the fall.
Habitat:
Moist well drained sites in the understory of larger trees.
Interesting Facts:
Fragrant showy blossoms hanging down like little bells attract native pollinators. The seedpod when green is sour, but edible by people.
Fruit:
Oblong, green, flattened drupe, 1 – 2”, with two wide and two narrow wings; woody, nutlike and brown when mature.
Flower:
Clusters of two to six waxy, white bell-shaped flowers, 1” across, appear with new foliage in late spring.
Wildlife value:
Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies; and squirrels eat fruit.
Flowers
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 3.00-5.00 inches
Tree height: 15.00-30.00 feet
Where to find Two-Wing Silverbell on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
TER - Walker Terrace 26.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.