Common silverbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common silverbell |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Halesia
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| Species: |
tetraptera
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The common silverbell (scientific name: Halesia tetraptera) is also known as the mountain silverbell or Carolina silverbell. It's a beautiful tree that belongs to the Styracaceae family. This tree naturally grows in the southeastern United States. People often plant it in their gardens or parks because it's a lovely ornamental tree.
Contents
What the Silverbell Tree Looks Like
The common silverbell is a small deciduous tree. This means it loses its leaves every autumn. It usually grows up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the silverbell tree are shaped like an oval or a spear. They are usually between 5 and 16 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. They are also about 4 to 7 centimeters (1.5 to 2.7 inches) wide.
The flowers are very pretty. They are white and shaped like bells. Each flower is about 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) long. They have four main parts called petals that form a cup shape.
Fruit of the Silverbell
After the flowers bloom, the tree produces a special kind of fruit. This fruit is dry and about 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) long. It has four distinct wings running along its sides.
Where Silverbell Trees Grow
You can find the common silverbell tree in different places across the eastern United States. It grows as far north as West Virginia and as far south as northern Florida. You can also find it west into Oklahoma.
Even though it's spread out, this tree is not very common in many areas. It's becoming quite rare in some parts of its natural home.
Types of Silverbell Trees
There are two main types, or varieties, of Halesia tetraptera:
- Halesia tetraptera var. tetraptera – This is the common silverbell we've been talking about.
- Halesia tetraptera var. monticola – This type is known as the mountain silverbell.
The mountain silverbell is much larger than the common silverbell. It can grow up to 20 to 39 meters (65 to 128 feet) tall! Its leaves are also bigger, up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. And its flowers are larger too, growing up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long.
Images for kids
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The trunk of a silverbell tree. -
Close-up of silverbell flowers. -
A mountain silverbell (H. tetraptera var. monticola).
See also
In Spanish: Halesia tetraptera para niños
