Halesia carolina - Carolina silverbell / Snowdrop tree

Halesia carolina originated from the south-east United States with a broad rounded crown and is a lovely spreading tree up to 10m tall.

Its mid-green elliptic to ovate-oblong leaves are 5-10cm long with a finely tapered point and turn yellow in autumn.

In mid to late spring as the leaves appear, clusters of delicately scented white or creamy pink 3cm flowers like bells on slender stalks emerge.

The fruits of the tree which appear in the Autumn are not decorative but do add interest. They are yellowish green 2-3.5cm oblong capsules with four curious papery wings and a slender ‘beak’ on the end.

FACT: Squirrels use Carolina silver bells for food and the trees for dens. It is heavy flowering in spring and very attractive for the bees. Beekeepers speak highly of the species as an outstanding source for honey.