Tree of the Week: September 3, 2024
ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Carolina silverbells (Halesia carolina). This flowering tree is part of the small Styracaceae family and it native to the southeastern United States but its range is very restricted. It is principally in the panhandle of Florida, with isolated smaller outlier populations in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi. In the spring, it sprouts masses of pendant, bell-shaped white flowers which gave the tree its common name. The lumber value is not of great economic importance, however wildlife hold the tree in higher regard. Squirrels love the ripe fruits, and use the tree for nesting and Bees frequent the blooms for nectar while in season.
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