Halesia diptera

silverbellfull
(Photo by Shenice Price)


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Taxonomy (2)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Styracaceae
Common name: Two-winged Silver Bell
Varietiesmagniflora


General Information (1,2,3)

Region of Origin: Eastern Asia
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Growth Habit: Shrub or small tree

  • Size: up to 30 feet tall
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous
  • Flowering: early Spring
  • Fruiting: Summer and Fall

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1,2)

  • Arrangement: Alternate
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Shape: Elliptic-obovate
  • Other: 3-5 inches long

silverbellleaf
(Photo by Shenice Price)


Stem/Bark (4)

  • Color: Gray to brown
  • Texture: Ridged and furrowed, scaly

silverbellstem
(Photo by Shenice Price)


Flower (2)

  • Color: White
  • Size: 3/4-1 inch long

silverbellflower
(Photo by Shenice Price)


Fruit (1,2,3)

  • Fruit type: Dry drupe
  • Size: 1.5-2 inches long
  • Color: Green to brown

silverbellfruit
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)


Horticultural Information (2,3,4)

  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil type: Loamy or sandy
  • pH: Slightly acidic
  • Maintenance: Little maintenance required
  • Landscape Uses: Ornamentals
  • Other: Do not add lime to Silver Bell's substrate

Interesting Facts (1,3)

  • Withstood -25°F in Cincinnati and flowered profusely.

References

  1. Dirr, M. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (5th ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub.
  2. Steve Christman. (06/20/97). Halesia spp. Floridata. April 1, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/h/hales_c.cfm
  3. Everett, T. H., & New York Botanical Garden. (1980). The New York Botanical Garden illustrated encyclopedia of horticulture. New York: Garland Pub.
  4. M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer and C. Stubler(n.d.). "Halesia diptera Tree Record.". Selectree.. April 2, 2013 from http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=688&-session=selectree:AD1CE0F40a54927BB5hiSiAEC5B3

Prepared by Shenice Price as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek