Family: Styracaceae
Common Name: Snowbell, Storax

This is a genus of about 120 species of evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs, native to Europe, Asia and North America. Several species, pre-dominantly the tropical Asian species, contain resins with a long history of medicinal use. One is the original source of friar's balsam, while others are used as antiseptics, and in the making of cough medicines and toiletries. Several cool-climate species are grown as ornamentals, as they produce a lovely display of flowers, mainly in summer.

Species

S. americanus, the American snowbell, zone 7, is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height and width of 2 or 3 m (6-10 ft). The dark green leaves, to 8 cm (3 in), are oblong in shape and pretty, white, nodding flowers appear singly or in small groups from early to mid-summer.

S. japonicus, the Japanese snowbell, zone 5, is a graceful, deciduous tree, growing to 8-10 m (26-33 ft) high. Its glossy, green foliage turns rich red or yellow in autumn. The white, sometimes pale pink, flowers are bell shaped, appearing along the undersides of branches in summer.

S. officinalis, storax, zone 9, can be shrubby or tree-like, growing 6-8 m (20-26 ft) high. Its white, bell-like flowers are borne in small clusters on the branch tips in early summer. Native to the Mediterranean, it is the original source of friar's balsam. A distinctive variety of this species occurs naturally in northern California.

Cultivation

Styrax are best grown in a sheltered spot, with full sun or partial shade. The soil should be acid to neutral, well drained yet moisture-retentive, and contain plenty of humus. The easiest method of propagation is by layering in spring, but semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in summer and rooted in a warm propagating case. Percentage rooting is usually low.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.