20-40' × 15-30' Small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub. Sometimes called Snowbells.
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.
Self-fertile flowers are pollinated by bees. An essential addition to woodland gardens and one of Dirr’s favorite native trees. Requires rich acidic well-drained woodsy soil with plenty of organic matter. Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun. Native to the woodlands of southern Appalachia where it often grows along streams. Not a common sight in Maine, and we’re excited to offer this beautiful tree. Zone 4.