Two-winged silverbell

Halesia diptera

Zones: 5b to 9a per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA's Halesia carolina page is non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. A related species' verdict is not a verdict for Halesia diptera, so this stays not assessed. NC State has no poison information on the Halesia diptera page.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Halesia diptera, not on the common name.. UGA Bulletin 625 lists a native Georgia 'SILVERBELL' as Halesia tetraptera (zones 6b/8a as printed, 20-30 ft tall, 15-20 ft spread, white flowers). NC State describes the other silverbell species (Halesia carolina) as the four-winged one. The sources do not settle whether UGA's Halesia tetraptera is H. carolina, so UGA's numbers are not used for Halesia diptera. Also: ASPCA's 'Silver Bell' is Halesia carolina.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5b to 9a per NC State Plant Toolbox
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 15 to 30 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide; medium growth rate; low branches, can be grown as a large multi-stemmed shrub or trained to a single trunk.
Family: Styracaceae (NC State text says storax family)
Where it comes from: NC State: native to wet forests and bottomlands in the southeastern US; SE US to Texas; distribution South Carolina south to Florida, west to Arkansas and southeast Texas.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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