Halesia carolina is an understory tree that is native from West Virginia south to Florida and west to eastern Texas. It was named after Stephen Hales, 1677-1761 author of a famous work on plant physiology, Vegetable Staticks. Mountain Silverbell, also known as Carolina Silverbell, was introduced into Great Britain in 1756 and was called Snowdrop or Silverbell Tree. In a letter to John W. Eppes dated March 6, 1817, Thomas Jefferson indicated ..."P.S. a Halesia sent. also purple and white figs."
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Mountain Silverbell.
Typical Blooming Dates: April - May
Color(s): White
Location at Monticello: West Lawn
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.