Styrax obassia: Fragrant Snowbell: ENH-765/ST607, 10/2003

Abstract

Styrax obassia gets its common name, Fragrant Snowbell, from the six to eight-inch-long raceme of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers produced May to June. Fragrant Snowbell is a small, 20 to 30-foot tall, deciduous tree that is appropriate as a patio tree where the attractive bark with orange-brown vertical fissures can be appreciated at a close distance, or Fragrant Snowbell can add color to the mixed shrubbery border. The dark green leaves are not as attractive as Japanese snowbell since they are quite large (three to eight-inches-long) and somewhat hide the beauty of the flowers. For this reason alone, Japanese Snowbell is preferred between the two species. Fragrant Snowbell does not have good fall color and the fruit is insignificant. Original publication date November 1993.