Halesia carolina (tetraptera) – Carolina silverbell 

General Information: Small, graceful understory tree native to the southeastern United States. Grows well in Western Massachusetts. The specimen in the photos is flourishing in our persimmon orchard. Showy, bell-shaped blossoms are prolific in April and early May. Carolina silverbells are noted for their unusual, drooping clusters of bell-shaped blossoms, a prolific bloomer. The plant is best admired from beneath the tree due to its drooping nature. Attractive yellow fall color. Low maintenance. Blooms attract hummingbirds, small mammals eat the fruit, and bees, butterflies, and other pollinators enjoy the nectar. Carolina silverbell is a host plant for a variety of moths and butterflies, including the mourning cloak butterfly. A pollinator plant that can be used as a specimen plant. Fruit develops in September and October. Fruits are an interesting star shade with four wings. Fruits persist well into the winter months. Deer resistant. Fire resistant.

Cultivation Details:  The Trees can start to blossom after just a few years. Tolerant of black walnut. If the pH is too high, they can suffer from yellowing leaves. Sensitive to heat, drought, and high winds. A naturally occurring understory tree, found along streams and in other low-lying areas. They prefer soil that is not overly compacted, as compacted soil will limit their root development. The tree has an irregular growth habit and a spreading crown.

Growing Requirements: Full sun to part shade. Easily grown in average, well-drained soil, though they prefer a moist, acidic, organically rich soil. They appreciate part shade as they are sensitive to heat and humidity.  They prefer a soil pH of 5.0 – 6.0.