Silver Bells Styrax japonicus

The Japanese Snowbell is a deciduous flowering tree with a relatively compact habit that can be vase-shaped when young but with low horizontal branching and a more broadly rounded crown with age.  It prefers moist, acidic well-drained soil in the full sun to partial shade.  It casts a light shade. This tree is moderately salt tolerant. 

The hard wood from this plant has been used to make the ribbing for umbrellas as well as toys.  Its branches were used for walking sticks.  

It blooms in late spring and its fruit ripens in late summer on the current season's growth.   The foliage occurs on upper portion of branches and does not obscure pendulous flowers significantly.  The bark has irregular, interlacing orange-brown fissures which adds interest to a winter landscape.  This is an excellent  choice for a hillside or when uses as a slope planting.  Consistent moisture is imperative, don't allow the soil to dry out.   

Plant near a patio, in a lawn, a border or in small groupings.  Plant it alongside a building on the northern side to protect it from strong winds and to provide a lovely dappled shade for under plantings.  It does not tolerate heat or drought very well.

Winter pruning can be done to control the shape of this tree.  

Quite often, this specimen will self seed.  Seedlings can be found underneath older trees.

Quick ID

• Bell-shaped, pendulous white flowers on short lateral shoots
• Deciduous small tree has foliage on branch tips
• Brown bark with interlacing orange-brown fissures

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Relatively insect and disease free.