American Snowbell
Styrax americanus
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
James Steakley
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Styracaceae
- Genus:
- Styrax
- Species:
- Styrax americanus
- USDA Symbol:
- STAM4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★★ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea), Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Baltodonta broui
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained sandy loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers wetland or riparian habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)