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Silverbell
The Carolina Silverbell tree, Halesia carolina, also known as Mountain Silverbell, Snowdrop tree, and Oppossum Wood, is common and reaches its greatest size in the southern Appalachian Mountains where it is called mountain silverbell. This attractive shrub, or small tree, grows in moist soils along streams in the understory of hardwood forests. It has a moderate growth rate and lives about 100 years. Place in full sun to partial shade. This deciduous tree has soft wood and it is close-grained and a favorite wood for crafts. The white bell-shaped flowers and small size make it a desirable tree for landscaping. The seeds are eaten by squirrels and the flowers provide honey for bees. Fall color is chartreuse to yellow-brown. Silverbell trees exhibit pendulous bell-shaped white flowers in spring. ... more info
Native American Plum The Native American Plum tree, Prunus americana, is also known as the Native Plum, Hedge Plum, Sloe or Wild Plum. This deciduous tree typically grows to 15-25' tall with a broad, spreading crown. As a shrub, it suckers freely and can form large colonies. The 2 to 5 inch white flowers appear in early spring before the foliage appears. Flowers are followed by edible, round, red plums with bright yellow pulp which ripen in early summer. Although the plums can be eaten raw, the quality is somewhat poor. The fruits are perhaps better used for preserves and jellies. The leaves turn yellow to red in autumn for great fall color. Branches and twigs are an attractive dark reddish-brown. Wildlife are attracted to the sweet fruits. |
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