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Styrax obassia
fragrant snowbell
Japan, Korea, and northern China; mountain forests at mid-elevations in moist, partly shaded conditionsLearn more
Overview
Styrax obassia is fragrant snowbell (bigleaf snowbell), an upright deciduous tree growing 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall and 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) wide with a rounded to pyramidal crown. White bell-shaped pendant flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm) in pendant racemes 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) at branch tips in May-June. Moderately fragrant. Very large broadly rounded to orbicular dark green leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) — much larger than S. japonicus (1-3 inches / 2.5-7 cm), creating a bold coarse texture. Turns yellow in fall. In Styracaceae. Obassia is a Japanese vernacular name. Native to Japan, Korea, and northern China. Requires acidic well-drained soil (pH 5.0-6.5) — iron chlorosis in alkaline conditions. This acid-soil requirement is the primary limitation. The large bold leaves give a coarse texture that contrasts with the fine-textured S. japonicus — the coarse texture limits compatibility with fine-textured companion plants. Not drought-tolerant — consistent moisture required. Does not tolerate hot exposed sites — leaf scorch in full afternoon sun in zones 7-8. No significant pest or disease problems. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8. Part shade to full sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan, Korea, and northern China. Found in mountain forests at mid-elevations in moist, partly shaded conditions.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree and understory tree in acidic well-drained sites with afternoon shade, spaced 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). Bold coarse-textured foliage. Fragrant pendant flower racemes. Requires acidic soil and consistent moisture. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Late spring to early summer (May-June). White bell-shaped pendant flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm) in pendant racemes 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) at branch tips. Moderately fragrant. 2 weeks. Bee-pollinated. Gray-green drupes follow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, bell-shaped, pendant, 0.75 inch (2 cm), in pendant racemes 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) at branch tips; moderately fragrantFoliage Description
Dark green, simple, very large, broadly rounded to orbicular, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) across — among the largest leaves in Styrax; alternate; turns yellow in fallGrowing 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 full sun (4-6 hours — afternoon shade in hot climates). Acidic well-drained soil pH 5.0-6.5. Not drought-tolerant — consistent moisture required. Leaf scorch in hot exposed sites. No significant pest or disease problems. Prune in winter (January-February). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Prune in winter (January-February). Minimal pruning needed — the rounded to pyramidal form is natural. Remove dead or crossing branches. Develop a central leader when young.Pruning Schedule
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winter