Styrax obassia

Fragrant snowbell is a large-leaved flowering tree.  It gets its common name from the 6-8" long racemes of fragrant white flowers that appear in late spring to early summer.  Blooming after the leaves emerge, the flowers' beauty can be hidden by the foliage.   After flowering, drupes are formed.  They may be present into late autumn.  

Growing best in well-drained, acidic soil, it can be planted in sand, clay or loam based locations.  It does not do well when soil is compacted.  In cooler planting zones, protection from winter winds is required. The leaves and flower buds can be damaged by frost. In the warmer zones, full sun is not recommended.  Locate in an area that receives some protection from the hot summer sun.

Its leaves can reach lengths of up to 8". 

It is moderately drought tolerant, once established.

The bark on older specimens can experience exfoliation which reveals a showy inner layer.  This orange layer will often provide winter interest.

This tree is pyramidal to oval in youth, but more open and rounded as it ages.  Its branches are ascending.  To control the shape of this tree, it is best to prune in the winter.  To achieve a more shrub-like form, prune annually by cutting the top back in the late summer to about one half of its height.  For a multi-stemmed habit, cut back by one half every 2 to 3 years.  A tree form can be accomplished by removing any upward growing branches. This should be accomplished in the winter months.

As the plant ages, it will tend to droop, requiring pruning for clearance underneath.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  No significant disease or pest issues.  

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.