What hardiness zones is Halesia carolina suitable for?

Halesia carolina is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Halesia carolina?

Halesia carolina requires Part Shade.

How much water does Halesia carolina need?

Halesia carolina has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Halesia carolina

Carolina silverbell

StyracaceaeNorth America

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitSpreading

FoliageDeciduous

Height20–40 feet (6–12 m)

Width15–35 feet (4.5–10.5 m)

Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

Halesia carolina (syn. H. tetraptera), commonly called Carolina silverbell or four-winged silverbell, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree in the family Styracaceae native to the rich, moist woodland slopes and stream banks of the southeastern United States. It grows 20–40 feet (6–12 m) tall and nearly as wide in open conditions, with a rounded to broadly spreading crown and attractive gray-brown bark that becomes shallowly furrowed with interlacing ridges on mature specimens. In spring (April–May), the bare branches — or branches just as the leaves begin to emerge — are hung with pendulous clusters of two to five bell-shaped white flowers, each 0.5–0.75 inches (12–20 mm) long, creating a graceful, cascading display visible from a distance. The flowers are lightly fragrant and a nectar source for early native bees. The large, alternate, elliptic leaves 3–5 inches (7.5–12 cm) turn a clear yellow in autumn. Distinctively, female trees develop four-winged, dry, papery fruit 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long that ripen in late summer and persist through winter, providing structural interest and food for birds. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens in acidic soil.

Native Range

Native to the Appalachian Mountains and adjacent Piedmont and Coastal Plain from West Virginia and Virginia south through the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle, and west to Arkansas and Texas, growing in rich, moist, well-drained soils on wooded hillsides and ravine slopes, often alongside Acer, Cornus, and Rhododendron. Native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Carolina silverbell is one of the most refined and garden-worthy small flowering trees for Pacific Northwest woodland gardens and mixed borders, combining cascading spring flowers, good summer foliage, yellow autumn color, and ornamental winter fruit. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens. Outstanding as a specimen understory tree beneath Douglas fir, Western red cedar, or large oaks, or at the edge of woodland where the cascading spring flowers can be viewed from below. Excellent combined with Rhododendron, Enkianthus, Acer japonicum, and Trillium in a woodland edge planting.

How to Identify

Carolina silverbell is identified in spring by its pendulous, bell-shaped white flowers 0.5–0.75 inches (12–20 mm) long, hanging in clusters of two to five from the previous season's branches as the leaves are just emerging. The large, alternate, elliptic leaves 3–5 inches (7.5–12 cm) have finely serrated margins and a slightly soft texture. In autumn through winter, mature trees carry distinctive four-winged, dry, papery fruits 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) that remain on the tree. The combination of pendulous spring bells, large serrated leaves, and persistent four-winged winter fruit is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 40'

Width/Spread15' - 35'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Carolina silverbell blooms in spring, typically April through early May in Pacific Northwest gardens, over two to three weeks. Pendulous clusters of two to five bell-shaped white flowers hang from the previous year's branches as the leaves are just beginning to emerge so the flowers remain clearly visible. Flowering time varies with elevation and exposure; plants at warmer, south-facing sites bloom earliest. The flowers are lightly fragrant and attract queen bumblebees and other early native pollinators.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; bell-shaped, 0.5–0.75 inches (12–20 mm), pendulous in clusters of 2–5; lightly fragrant

Foliage Description

Alternate, elliptic, 3–5 inches (7.5–12 cm), finely serrated, medium green; clear yellow in autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 3-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loampeatsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained, acidic, humus-rich soil with a pH of 4.5–6.5. In Pacific Northwest gardens with naturally acidic soil, Carolina silverbell establishes readily with minimal amendment. Consistent moisture during establishment is critical; mulch generously with composted bark to retain moisture and maintain soil pH. Once established, tolerates brief dry spells but performs best with consistent summer moisture. No serious pest or disease problems in Pacific Northwest conditions. Protect from drying east winds and late spring frosts in colder inland sites.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or crossing branches in early spring before flowering. Carolina silverbell develops a naturally attractive, layered branching structure and should not be routinely pruned. If shaping is needed, do so immediately after flowering. Avoid pruning in late summer or autumn.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic