Also known as silver bell, snowdrop tree, and the American snowdrop tree, the two-wing silverbell is from the snowball family of plants. It is botanically known as Halesia diptera. It is not native to the United States.
Two-wing Silverbell Description
This grows as a small tree or rounded shrub, typically from three to 15 feet tall. It has striped bark when young and then ages to a furrowed look. Leaves are alternate and veined, dark yellow-green in summer and all yellow in the fall. Flowers are white and tubular, hanging in pedicels. They have a cluster of stamens in their center, reminiscent of a white candle holder holding a white candle. Fruits are tan in the fall and are two-winged. Bloom season is March through May.
Growing Guide
The two-wing silverbell prefers to grow in partial shade conditions with a dry acidic soil that is rich and well drained. They are not drought tolerant. Propagate by cuttings or by seed. Seed will need after-ripening and cold moist stratification prior to sowing. Cuttings are difficult to root. Make sure seed is air-dried so that there is no mold or rot when you go to plant them. Their USDA hardiness zones are six through nine.
Distribution
This accent shrub or tree grows in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. It is usually found in the margins of swamp beds and in the rich woodland areas.
Problems
There are no pest or disease issues with the two-wing silverbell. It is a very resilient plant that does not normally get invasive either.
Source: NPIN