Introduction

A North American native tree, Carolina silverbell grows into a 20- to 40-foot-tall tree with a 15- to 30-foot-spread into a pyramidal silhouette. The 2- to 4-inch-long leaves turn yellow in fall and are among the first to drop in autumn. The tree prefers sandy loam and begins blooming when only 10 to 12 feet tall. The pink, bell-shaped, showy blossoms are borne in 2- to 5-inch-long clusters. Flowering occurs along last year’s branches in mid-May on the previous season's wood. Because the flowers point downward, they are partially hidden by the foliage and best viewed from below. Other ornamental features are the yellow fall color and the bark, which peels off in large, flat scales. The pale-yellow fruits are quite attractive as they hang down from last year's branches. Carolina silverbell may transplant poorly in the fall.

General Information

Scientific name: Halesia carolina

Pronunciation: hal-EE-zhee-uh kair-oh-LYE-nuh

Common name(s): 'Rosea' Carolina silverbell

Family: Styracaceae

USDA hardiness zones: 5A through 8B (Figure 2)

Origin: native to North America

Invasive potential: native cultivar

Uses: specimen; street without sidewalk; deck or patio; tree lawn 3–4 feet wide; tree lawn 4-6 feet wide; tree lawn > 6 ft wide; container or planter

Description

Height: 20 to 40 feet

Spread: 15 to 30 feet

Crown uniformity: irregular

Crown shape: round, upright/erect, vase

Crown density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate (Figure 3)

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: serrulate

Leaf shape: oblong, elliptic (oval), ovate

Leaf venation: pinnate

Leaf type and persistence: deciduous

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches, 4 to 8 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: yellow

Fall characteristic: showy

Flower

Flower color: pink

Flower characteristics: very showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: oval

Fruit length: 1 to 3 inches

Fruit covering: dry or hard

Fruit color: yellow

Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; showy; fruit/leaves not a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches droop; showy; typically one trunk; thorns

Pruning requirement: little required

Breakage: resistant

Current year twig color: brown

Current year twig thickness: thin

Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun, partial sun, or partial shade

Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; acidic; slightly alkaline; well-drained; occasionally wet

Drought tolerance: moderate

Aerosol salt tolerance: low

Other

Roots: not a problem

Winter interest: yes

Outstanding tree: yes

Ozone sensitivity: unknown

Verticillium wilt susceptibility: unknown

Pest resistance: free of serious pests and diseases

Use and Management

This tree is interesting all year long, with attractive medium green foliage, pretty flowers, showy fruits, and exfoliating bark. It branches low to the ground, making a nice lawn or specimen tree and when pruned to one central leader can be used as a street tree in residential areas. The bark shows off nicely with foliage removed from the lower branches, and multi-stemmed specimens come-to-life when lit from below at nighttime. They would make a perfect small-sized tree for planting near a deck or patio.

An understory tree best suited for a partially shaded or shaded location, Silverbell prefers moist, fertile soil with an accumulation of leaf litter and/or mulch. The tree grows best if roots are not confined to a small area and are allowed to explore a large soil area. Water during a drought and avoid compacted soil.

Propagation is by seeds sown as soon as ripe or stratified, and by layering, root cuttings, and greenwood cuttings. Small trees and seedlings transplant easily.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.