Styrax Obassia
Contents
Description
Styrax obassia, commonly known as Fragrant Snowbell or Fragrant Styrax, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Styracaceae. This tree is native to Japan and can grow up to 15 meters in height with a spread of about 10 meters. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, while its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate with a pointed tip. Styrax obassia produces clusters of bell-shaped white flowers in late spring that are highly fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The flowers are followed by small, round, brown fruit capsules that contain two or three seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliophyta |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Styracaceae |
| Genus | Styrax |
| Species | Styrax obassia |
Appearance
The Fragrant Snowbell has a rounded shape with a moderate growth rate. The leaves are dark green and 4-6 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before falling off. The tree produces fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers that appear in clusters in late spring. The flowers are followed by small, brown fruit capsules that contain two or three seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Styrax obassia prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Water the tree deeply and regularly during the growing season.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in early spring using a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the tree during its dormant period.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Avoid planting the tree in heavy clay soil.
Sunlight: The Fragrant Snowbell prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Fragrant Snowbell is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and scale insects. These issues can be prevented by ensuring the tree is planted in well-drained soil and receives proper care, including fertilization and pruning.
Habitat
Styrax obassia is native to Japan and can be found growing in woodlands and along stream banks. The tree prefers well-drained soil and a moderate amount of moisture. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and can tolerate cold temperatures and occasional drought.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does the Fragrant Snowbell tree grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 15 meters in height.
Q: When do the Fragrant Snowbell’s flowers appear?
A: The tree produces clusters of bell-shaped white flowers in late spring.
Q: What type of soil does the tree prefer?
A: Styrax obassia prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect the Fragrant Snowbell?
A: The tree may be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and scale insects.
Related Plants
- Styrax japonicus
- Styrax americanus
- Styrax grandifolius
References
- “Styrax obassia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287052.
- “Styrax obassia.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/22268/Styrax-obassia/Details.
- “Styrax obassia.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/fragrant-snowbell.
