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Overview
Halesia carolina is Carolina silverbell (silver bell tree), a spreading deciduous tree growing 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall and 15-35 feet (4.5-10.5 m) wide. Pendant white bell-shaped flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in clusters of 2-5 along bare branches in April-May — blooming before or as the leaves emerge. Medium green ovate finely serrated leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm). Four-winged dry brown fruits 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) persist into winter. In Styracaceae (the storax family). Native to the southeastern United States — an understory tree in rich moist forests. Requires acidic well-drained soil (pH 5.0-6.5). Does not tolerate alkaline soil, drought, or compacted conditions. This acid-soil requirement is the primary limitation. The bloom period is short (2 weeks). Fall color is unremarkable (yellow). Can be grown as a single-trunk tree or multi-stemmed large shrub. No significant disease or pest problems. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Part shade to morning sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States — Virginia to Florida, west to Oklahoma and Texas. Understory tree in rich moist forests along stream banks and mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree, woodland garden tree, and understory tree spaced 15-35 feet (4.5-10.5 m). Pendant white spring bells. Requires acidic soil. Tolerates partial shade. Native to eastern North America. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 40'
Width/Spread15' - 35'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Mid spring (April-May). Pendant white bell-shaped flowers 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) in clusters of 2-5 along bare branches. 2 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Four-winged dry fruits follow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, bell-shaped, pendant, 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-2 cm) long, in clusters of 2-5 along bare branches before or as the leaves emergeFoliage Description
Medium green, ovate, finely serrated, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long; turns yellow in fall — fall color is unremarkableGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to morning sun (4-6 hours). Acidic well-drained soil pH 5.0-6.5. Does not tolerate alkaline, compacted, or dry soil. Not drought-tolerant. No significant diseases or pests. Blooms on old wood — prune after flowering (May) if needed. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Prune after flowering (May) if shaping is needed — blooms on old wood. Can be trained as a single-trunk tree or allowed to develop as a multi-stemmed large shrub. Remove dead, crossing, or low branches. Minimal pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
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F
M
A
M
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A
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D
late spring