An unusual spring flowering native shrub. Fragrant white bell-shaped flowers with reflexed petals droop from the branches in late spring. The rounded leaves are dark green, bark is gray to reddish-brown. A shrub of subtle, elegant beauty. No appreciable fall color. Attracts pollinators, particularly bumblebees.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
American Snowbell
Styrax americanus
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Moderate

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Pollinators, Nesting

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
6 to
9
feet
Spread:
5 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 6 to
9
feet
Spread: 5 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 6 to
9
feet
Spread: 5 to
10
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Attractive to use along streams or water features.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Native to the swamps of the Bootheel in southern Missouri, grows best in moist or wet, acidic situations in some shade.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Rainscaping
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.