Halesia tetraptera

Name: Halesia tetraptera

Common Name: Carolina silverbell or mountain silverbell

Description: Clusters of pendulous, white, bell-shaped flowers appear in early May. The delicate flowers are an interesting juxtaposition to the gruff- looking bark. On young trees, bark is striped, and on older specimens has a pattern of white furrows between gray- brown plates. In the fall, the tree is covered in four-winged oblong fruit that changes from green to tan and persists in the winter. This deciduous tree may grow up to 40 feet high and 35 feet wide.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

Culture: Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Plant in moist, well-drained acidic soil.

Landscape Use: It can be used as an understory tree. But as a specimen, it will make a good shade tree. Place it where observers can enjoy the spring flowers.