Description

Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina) is a small flowering tree that grows 30′-40′ tall and prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soil in part shade. The blooms that appear in April form in drooping clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers. The blooms are impressive and are best observed from beneath the tree due to their drooping habit. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow, and fruit appears in September through October, forming an interesting star shape with four wings and persisting well into the winter.  Carolina Silverbell has a wide range of wildlife benefits. The blooms attract hummingbirds while small mammals eat the fruit. It provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and it plays host to a variety of butterflies and moths, including the Mourning Cloak butterfly pictured above.