Fragrant Snowbell Styrax obassia
ABOUT
The Styrax obassia, commonly known as the Fragrant Snowbell, is a visually striking plant with a host of appealing features. It possesses a spreading canopy with branches that create an elegantly layered appearance. The leaves of this plant are particularly noteworthy; they are broad, oval to rounded in shape, and have a lush, deep green color that brings a vibrant life to any setting. These leaves often turn a striking yellow in the fall, providing a seasonal display of color. One of the most captivating attributes of the Fragrant Snowbell is its blossoms. The flowers are small, delicate, and bell-shaped, featuring a soft white color that can sometimes have a hint of pink. These blooms hang gracefully from the branches in long, pendulous clusters that can add a touch of elegance to the plant's overall appearance. The flowers are also noted for their pleasant fragrance which can attract passersby as well as various pollinators to the garden. Once the blooming period concludes, the flowers give way to rounded, dry fruit that persists on the plant, adding further interest beyond the flowering season. All these characteristics come together to make the Fragrant Snowbell an attractive addition to any landscape, offering visual interest through multiple seasons and satisfying the senses with its lovely scent.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Styracaceae
Synonyms
Fragrant Snowbell, Japanese Snowbell, Fragrant Styrax
Common names
Styrax obassia.
ToxicityTo humans
The Styrax obassia, commonly known as the Fragrant Snowbell, does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. Therefore, it is not typically listed as a poisonous plant. However, like many plants, it is not considered edible, and ingesting any part of the plant may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious health issues if allergic reactions occur. If any part of the plant is ingested, it is generally recommended to consult a medical professional for advice.
To pets
The Styrax obassia, commonly known as the Fragrant Snowbell, lacks specific documentation regarding its toxicity to pets. Since many plants can be slightly toxic or cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested by pets, it is always prudent to discourage pets from eating any parts of this plant. If a pet ingests the Fragrant Snowbell, symptoms could potentially include vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach. If such symptoms occur or if there is cause for concern, it is advised to contact a veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Styrax obassia, commonly known as the Fragrant Snowbell, is a visually appealing plant with attractive foliage and showy flowers that enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The Fragrant Snowbell provides food in the form of nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.
- Shade Provision: With its broad leaves and medium-sized stature, the Fragrant Snowbell can provide shade for smaller plants or garden sitting areas.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers seasonal interest with its spring blossoms and autumn leaf color changes, giving a garden year-round appeal.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Fragrant Snowbell can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens in regions with variable rainfall.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Material: The wood of the Styrax obassia can be used in small woodworking projects due to its fine grain and texture.
- Perfume Base: The resin from the Styrax obassia tree, often called storax, can be used as a fixative and base in perfumery for its sweet and balsamic scent.
- Insect Repellent: The resin may be burnt to repel insects, taking advantage of its aromatic properties.
- Horticultural Art: Styrax obassia can be trained into bonsai or other artistic plant forms, valued for its beautiful foliage and structure.
- Ornamental Resin Art: The resin from Styrax obassia could be collected and used in resin art pieces for its translucency and natural fragrance.
- Culinary Sweetener: The aromatic resin could potentially be used in small quantities as a natural sweetener or flavor enhancer in desserts.
- Religious Rituals: In some cultures, the resin or parts of the tree might be used in religious or spiritual ceremonies for its fragrant smoke when burned.
- Photography Prop: The tree or its flowers can be used as a photogenic subject or backdrop in botanical photography.
- Instrument Creation: The wood, although not commonly used, could be crafted into musical instruments such as flutes or small percussion instruments.
- Education and Conservation: The Styrax obassia can be used in educational programs to teach about plant biology and the importance of plant diversity in ecosystem conservation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fragrant Snowbell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fragrant Snowbell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - Styrax obassia, commonly known as Fragrant Snowbell, produces white flowers that symbolize cleanliness and innocence.
- Calmness - The tranquil appearance of the Fragrant Snowbell, especially as its blossoms gently sway in the breeze, represents serenity and peace.
- Elegance - With its graceful branches and sophisticated floral display, the Fragrant Snowbell signifies refinement and beauty.
- New Beginnings - The blooming of the Fragrant Snowbell tree, often in spring, marks the start of new growth and fresh starts.
- Spiritual Awareness - The Fragrant Snowbell's connection to purity and its heavenly scent may be associated with heightened spirituality and the divine.
WaterThe Fragrant Snowbell (Styrax obassia) should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to seep in deeply, which encourages the roots to grow further into the ground. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, so watering every 7 to 10 days is generally adequate depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, especially in dry spells, possibly increasing to once every 5 to 7 days. Provide approximately one to two gallons per watering session, ensuring even distribution around the root zone.
LightThe Fragrant Snowbell prefers dappled sunlight to partial shade, making it well-suited for planting under the high canopy of taller trees. It thrives best in spots that offer protection from the harsh afternoon sun. The plant can tolerate morning sun and would appreciate this especially in cooler climates.
TemperatureThe Fragrant Snowbell is tolerant of a range of temperature conditions and can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, it prefers the temperature to remain between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not suited for extreme cold and should be protected from frost.
PruningPruning the Fragrant Snowbell is required to maintain its shape, remove any dead or broken branches, and promote healthy growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can be done yearly, but a more thorough trim should be done every 2 to 3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Fragrant Snowbell prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a mix of compost for nutrients. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7. A blend of loamy soil, peat, and perlite would support healthy growth. Regular mulching will help maintain moisture.
RepottingThe Fragrant Snowbell should be repotted every 3 to 4 years as it is a slow-growing tree. Repotting is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingThe Fragrant Snowbell prefers average to high humidity levels. It can benefit from occasional misting if grown in a dry indoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep moist.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Styrax obassia, commonly known as the Fragrant Snowbell, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in spring under suitable conditions of moisture and warmth. Seedlings emerge with a pair of cotyledons before developing true leaves and establishing a root system. As a young plant, it experiences vegetative growth, forming a woody stem, leaves, and a branch structure. Upon reaching maturity, which can take several years, the Fragrant Snowbell produces clusters of white, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, which are important for pollinator attraction. Following pollination, the flowers develop into drupaceous fruits that mature in late summer to fall, each containing one or two seeds that disperse to begin the next generation. In its final life stage, the plant gradually senesces over time, with the lifespan of the species being multiple decades under optimal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Fragrant Snowbell, or Styrax obassia, is through seed sowing. To ensure successful germination, the seeds must first undergo stratification, a process of simulating winter conditions by refrigerating the seeds for a period, usually about three months. After stratification, the seeds are sown in well-draining soil and lightly covered with soil. This is generally done in the spring, allowing the seedlings to grow during the warm season. Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a sufficient size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into their permanent location outdoors. Seed propagation can be a slow process, with the seeds often taking several weeks to germinate, but it is effective in producing new trees that are true to the parent plant.
