(Styrax americanus) Perennial. Zone 6. Native range—SE USA. Styracaceae (Silverbells) Family.
Showy white flowers are very fragrant, blooming in late Spring. Native to stream banks, floodplains and wet wooded areas, prefers moist conditions. Attracts many butterflies and is a host plant for promethean moths (Callosamia promethean). Can grow 8-15 feet tall, with thin branches and an open crown habit. Prefers moist, acidic soil. Tolerates partial shade.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS *Difficult
For best results, sow seeds outdoors in the Fall, mulch beds (remove mulch once seeds germinate in Spring). If starting indoors…
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Then, mix seeds with moistened soil 4x seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container.
STRATIFICATION: 120 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 3/8” deep. Water evenly and regularly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 90 days.
Stratifying Seeds Naturally Outdoors in the Fall
How to Stratify Tree Seeds Indoors
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia.
