American Snowbell
Styrax americanus
Other Names: American Silverbells, American Snowbells, Big-Leaf Snowbell, Storax
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-8b Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Large Shrub or Tree
Height at Maturity: 8-10′
Width at Maturity: 6-10′
Spacing: 5′ for hedge; 12 feet for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form: Upright Rounded
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flower Size: Small Flowers, 1/2-3/4″
Flowering Period: Spring
Flower Type: Single, Bell shape
Fragrant Flowers: Yes!
Foliage Color: Green; Golden and Copper shades in fall
Fragrant Foliage: No
Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade; appreciates Afternoon Shade in Zone 8; Needs consistently moist soil in Full Sun
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay), Loam, Sand (amend for moisture retention), Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained to Occasionally Wet
Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.5 (Acidic to Neutral)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Butterflies, Beneficial Pollinators, Visual Attention, Songbirds
Resistances: Deer, Disease, Wet Soil
Description
The American Snowbell, also called Silverbells, is a native small tree or large shrub perfect for use in those areas where the soil stays consistently moist or even wet. In its native habitat it can be found growing in swamps, marshy areas, stream banks, and other wet locations. In the spring pendulous rounded clusters of bell-shaped white flowers with reflexed petals fill the air with a sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies and beneficial pollinators. It matures to a height and width of about 6 to 10 feet with a wide, open crown and dense branches, but will usually be 10 feet if lower branches are removed to form a small tree. Excellent for use as a specimen or in groupings in partially shaded landscape borders or woodland settings. It will tolerate full sun if there is adequate moisture. Plant near a patio or other outdoor living space where the fragrant flowers can be enjoyed from up close.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 6 to 10 feet tall and equally as wide, the American Snowbell is ideal for use as a specimen in sunny to partially shaded landscape or woodland borders and home foundation plantings. Make sure the soil stays consistently moist in full sun locations. Can also be grown in large planters. To enjoy the fragrant flowers from close up. plant near patios, decks, porches and other outdoor living spaces. A fine addition to fragrance gardens, native gardens, white theme gardens, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens.
Suggested Spacing: 6 feet apart for a hedge; 12 feet apart for space between plants
Growing Preferences
The American Snowbell is easy to grow in a location with consistently moist to periodically wet soil that is rich in organic matter and a full sun to part shade. In full sun the soil should stay moist to even wet.
Plant Long & Prosper!
Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff
Questions? Contact Us!





































Reviews
There are no reviews yet.