Carolina Silverbell, Mountain Silverbell, Snowdrop tree, Silver-bell tree, Wild olive
Halesia carolina

Family: Styracaceae

What it is like

A spreading deciduous tree. It grows to 8-20 m high. It spreads wider than that. It is broadly cone shaped. The bark is pale brown and has scaly ridges which cross. The leaves are mid green and downy when young. They are oval and 20 cm long by 10 cm wide. They taper to a point at the tip. The leaves turn yellow in autumn. The flowers are white or pink and bell shaped. They occur in masses and droop. The fruit are green and have 4 wings. They ripen to pale brown. They are 5 cm long.

There are 5 Halesia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to S.E. United States. It grows in rich moist woods and by streams. It is a cool climate plant. They do best in a sheltered position. They need a well drained, moist and neutral to acid soil. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, Slovenia, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. The unripe fruit are made into pickles.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or softwood cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Halesia tetraptera L.; and others