How to identify Fragrant snowbell (Styrax obassia)

How to identify Fragrant snowbell (Styrax obassia)

Fragrant snowbell, also known as Fragrant styrax

Fragrant snowbell is a deciduous tree that can reach a stature of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) tall and 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters) wide, exhibiting an initial pyramidal shape that matures into a rounded form. Its smooth gray bark is marked by orange-brown vertical fissures that may exfoliate in older specimens. The foliage consists of large, bold, dark green leaves with a soft, downy underside. Notably, the tree produces drooping, bell-shaped, fragrant white to creamy flowers with golden stamens hanging in 6- to 8-inch-long (15 to 20 cm) racemes in late spring to early summer. The fruiting phase follows, displaying 3/4-inch (2 cm) round to oval, silvery-green drupes that cluster and may persist into late autumn.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Fragrant snowbell

Large, bold, dark green leaves ranging from 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in length.

Smooth gray bark marked by orange-brown vertical fissures; bark may exfoliate in older specimens.

Drooping racemes of white to creamy flowers with golden stamens, 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long.

Distinctive 3/4-inch (2 cm) silvery-green drupes clustering in late summer, visually noticeable and fleshy.

Stem transitioning from green to reddish-brown, with multi-trunked growth pattern and bushy appearance.

Detailed Traits of Fragrant snowbell

Leaf Features

The leaves of fragrant snowbell are large, bold, dark green, and range from 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in length. They feature arching veins on the surface and are softly pubescent on the underside. The leaves taper to a point and display a striking yellow color in the fall.

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Flower Features

Fragrant snowbell features elegantly drooping racemes of pristine white to creamy-white flowers, each adorned with golden yellow stamens. These racemes measure between 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in length and emit a subtle, sweet fragrance. The flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, showcasing five petals arranged in a charming bell shape. Their visual appeal and delicate scent make them a striking element in any garden or natural landscape.

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Stem Features

The stem of fragrant snowbell is characterized by its green to reddish-brown color. It features a multi-trunked growth habit which can be trained to develop a single trunk. The stem is relatively smooth with a slight texture, and it typically exhibits moderate thickness. Branching occurs in an orderly pattern, contributing to the plant's bushy appearance. This stem's color transition from green to reddish-brown is a distinctive attribute.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of fragrant snowbell are distinctive drupes exhibited in late summer. Each fruit is a silvery-green hue, with a fleshy texture that promises to be as enticing to wildlife as it is to the eye. In terms of size, the fruits are moderately proportioned, each measuring roughly 3/4 inch (approximately 1.9 cm) in length, adopting an overall oval to round shape. These drupes are significant markers for the species, being both visually noticeable and a tactile delight with their smooth, perhaps slightly plump, contours.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Fragrant snowbell and Their Similar Plants

Japanese Snowbell vs. Fragrant snowbell: What's The Difference?

Japanese Snowbell is a deciduous flowering tree native to Japan China and Korea. This smaller-sized tree makes a lovely ornamental with its slightly fragrant white bell-shaped blossoms that bloom spring to summer. Its leaves turn yellow to orange in the fall before dropping.

American snowbell vs. Fragrant snowbell: What's The Difference?

The deciduous and slender-branched american snowbell has glossy, bright-green foliage. Its flowers are bell shaped and white, creating a fragrant, cloud-like appearance when in bloom. This species attracts fruit birds, butterflies, and bees with its conspicuous and ornamental flowers. It’s easy to overlook in the wild though because it thrives in shady areas.

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Key Facts About Fragrant snowbell

Attributes of Fragrant snowbell

Spread

4.5 m to 8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Flower Color

White

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Green

White

Yellow

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Fragrant snowbell

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Fragrant snowbell (Styrax obassia)

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Distribution Map of Fragrant snowbell

Fragrant snowbell is native to temperate regions of East Asia. It has been introduced and cultivated in various parts of the world for its ornamental value. While thriving in its natural habitat, fragrant snowbell has also adapted to a select group of temperate climates beyond its indigenous range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Fragrant snowbell How to Grow and Care for Fragrant snowbell