Fragrant Snowbell
(Styrax obassia)
Fragrant Snowbell (Styrax obassia)
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Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nova | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Styrax_obassia_Styrak_wielkolistny_2022-05-22_03.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Styrax obassia, commonly known as Fragrant Snowbell, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to the understory of temperate forests in eastern China, Korea, and Japan. It typically reaches a height of 20-35 feet with a similar spread, and is noted for its attractive, smooth, gray bark and horizontal branching pattern. The Fragrant Snowbell blooms in late spring to early summer, producing pendulous clusters of white, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers that are highly ornamental. The leaves are large, ovate, and bright green, turning yellow in the fall.
In cultivation, Styrax obassia is valued for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and its relatively low maintenance requirements. It is often used in residential landscapes, botanical gardens, and as a specimen plant. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soils with consistent moisture. It is not drought-tolerant and may require additional watering during dry periods. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and canker. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Styrax obassia is valued for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and its relatively low maintenance requirements. It is often used in residential landscapes, botanical gardens, and as a specimen plant. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soils with consistent moisture. It is not drought-tolerant and may require additional watering during dry periods. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and canker. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-35 feet
- Width: 15-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
The understory of temperate forests in eastern China, Korea, and Japan
Other Names
Common Names: Japanese Snowbell
Scientific Names: Styrax obassia , Halesia obassis , Styrax obassis
GBIF Accepted Name: