Halesia monticola
Halesia monticola, commonly called Mountain Silverbell, is native to the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. Although it may grow to 40-80’ tall in its native habitat, it is usually seen in cultivation as a smaller, upright-spreading, deciduous tree or large shrub rising to 20-40’ tall. It is similar to H. carolina (formerly listed as H. carolina var. monticola) except its flowers are larger. Bell-shaped, shallow-lobed, white flowers appear in clusters (3-5 flowers per cluster) in spring (April-May). Flowers give way to four-winged fruits (dry drupes to 2” long) that mature in fall. Elliptic to oblong-obovate medium green leaves (to 4-8” long) are attractive throughout the summer. Leaves turn yellow in fall. Exfoliating bark provides some winter interest.
It is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils in part shade. Mulch the root zone. It may be grown as a large, multi-stemmed shrub or trained as a single trunk tree.
Ther are no serious insect or disease problems.
The species is attractive as specimens in lawns, near patios, or in woodland gardens.