Big-leaf snowbells (Styrax grandifolia) are blooming this week in the arboretum. Clusters of small, delicate, fragrant white flowers adorn the slender limbs of this dainty tree. The new leaves add to the elegant display of flowers.
The big-leaf snowbells have been in the collection since the early days of the arboretum. Jack Price donated the collection's three original plants. In September 1988, Ed Leuck planted those individuals in one group towards the bottom of a hill that slopes down to the drainage for the arboretum. Additional seedlings were added to the same group in 2003. These small trees grow happily with spiderwort (Tradescantia sp.), Louisiana catchfly (Silene subciliata), and a volunteer witch-hazel (Hamamelis sp.).
Brief video capturing pollinators at work and highlighting the daintiness of this small tree, nearing 30 years of age.
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| Flowers occur in racemes. |
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| The 'big-leaf' differentiates Styrax grandifolia from Styrax americana. |
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| Bark detail: smooth |
For more information about this species consult the following:
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSU AgCenter)
Texas Native Plants Database
United States Department of Agriculture
