Halesia diptera aka American Snowdrop Tree

Taxonomy

Genus Halesia Family Styracaceae Order Ericales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Halesia diptera, also known as the two-wing silverbell or two-winged snowdrop tree, is a species in the Styracaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States, stretching from South Carolina and Florida to eastern Texas. This tree is often cultivated as an ornamental due to its beautiful white flowers, which are produced in clusters of 3-6 and appear in spring, along with its deciduous, dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Halesia diptera can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a rounded form. Its fruit is a dry drupe with two wings down the sides, which distinguishes it from other Halesia species, which have four wings on the fruit. Wildlife, such as squirrels, eat the sour green fruit before it ripens. The cultivar 'Magnifora' is more drought-tolerant and produces more flowers than the species. Halesia diptera has a better floral display than H. carolina, although it blooms 1-2 weeks later. The genus name honors the English physiologist, chemist, and inventor Reverend Stephen Hales, while the specific epithet comes from the Greek words di meaning two and ptera meaning wings, referring to the two wings on the fruit of this plant.

Common names

American Snowdrop Tree, Two Winged Silverbell, Two Wing Silverbell

How to care for American Snowdrop Tree

Difficulty

Caring for American Snowdrop Tree is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

American Snowdrop Tree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

American Snowdrop Tree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the American Snowdrop Tree prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the American Snowdrop Tree should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

More info:
Wikipedia

Report a problem

More Species in Halesia Genus

Halesia carolina Carolina Silverbell

Halesia diptera American Snowdrop Tree