Halesia tetraptera

Carolina Silverbell

Halesia tetraptera, commonly known as Mountain Silverbell, is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its elegant form and abundant spring flowers. Oval green leaves emerge in spring, followed by profuse, bell-shaped white flowers in mid-spring that hang beneath the branches, creating a soft, cascading display, and foliage turns yellow in fall. Its refined habit and woodland character make it an excellent understory or specimen tree.

Type: Deciduous tree

Mature Size:
Width: 20–30 ft
Height: 30–40 ft
(10-year size: approx. 12–18 ft tall × 8–12 ft wide)

USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Upright to rounded, often multi-stemmed
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering with some sun)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; prefers rich organic matter
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Wildlife: Attracts bees (flowers)


Features & Landscape Uses


Abundant white bell-shaped flowers in spring



Graceful, woodland-style form



Excellent specimen or understory tree



Suitable for naturalized or woodland plantings




Care
Plant in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Performs best with protection from hot afternoon sun. Mulch to maintain moisture and cool roots. Prune lightly after flowering if needed. Generally low-maintenance and pest-resistant.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

30-40'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

8-12'

10-year width

12-18'