Japanese Snowbell

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

China & Japan

Location

Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection

Source of plant

Plantasia, Princeton Nurseries, US National Arboretum, Morris Arboretum, Weston Nurseries, Ambleside Gardens, Edgewood Nursery

Description

Lovely, small, low-branched tree which develops to a broad-rounded crown and distinct horizontal apearance because of the wide-spreading branches. Plants reach 20' to 30' in height with equal or greater spread. Flowers perfect, 3/4" long, white, bell-shaped, slightly fragrant, borne on 1" to 1 1/2" long pendulous stalks in May and June. Fruit a dry drupe, ovoid, 1/2" long, grayish and somewhat attractive; effective in August and dropping by November. Bark handsome gray-brown of smooth consistency but showing irregular, orangish-brown, and interlacing fissures.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

fragrance, bark, growth habit