Two-winged Silverbell
Halesia diptera var magniflora
A spectacular small understory tree of southern bottomlands and woodlands - cold hardy at lower elevations but a risky choice at higher elevations of the Catskills. The bell-shaped, white flowers are particularly large and abundant on this variety. Beautiful when pruned to arch up and over a walkway or patio. The seed capsules are also ornamental - in this species they have two lateral wings that run the length of the capsule- hence the common name.
