Clusters of white bell-shaped ¾" flowers dangle from pendulous branches as spring emerges in late April and early May. Four-petaled bells turn to light green ribbed oblong fruits of similar size. Both flower and fruit are edible. Add flowers to spring salads, and enjoy the crunchy cucumber-flavored fruits raw, stir-fried or pickled in midsummer. After a few weeks they turn tough and brown and blow in the wind like winged ornaments into fall. Pointed finely toothed elliptical dark green alternate leaves. Bark is striped and scaled, white to greyish brown and black.

Native to the woodlands of the southern Appalachian Mountains where it often grows along streams. Intolerant of alkaline pH and best planted in rich acidic well-drained woodsy soil with plenty of organic matter. Self-fertile flowers are pollinated by bees. Though not common in Maine, we’re excited to offer this beautiful tree for the first time. An essential addition to woodland gardens and one of Dirr’s favorite native trees. May experience winterkill in colder locations. Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun. Z4. (1-3' bare-root plants)

Items from our perennial plants warehouse ordered on or before March 7 will ship around March 26 through late April, starting with warmer areas and finishing in colder areas. Orders placed after March 7 will ship around late April through early-to-mid May, in the order in which they were received.