Styrax officinalis

A deciduous shrub usually 4'-6' high, but sometimes growing 6' wide by 12' high with attractive branching. Its gray bark and graceful form make it attractive even without its leaves. Between April and May it displays many fragrant, showy, 1" pendulant white flowers similar to Philadelphus (Mock orange) with citrus flowers followed by little citrus fruit. Plant it in full sun or light shade, and give it occasional water until established. Endemic to California. Butterfly gardens. Since Antiquity, styrax resin has been used in perfumes, some kinds of incense, and medicines. Found in found in woods and thickets, also by streams, dry rocky slopes. . Communitites located in Chaparral, Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest, Southern Oak Woodland. Between 0 and 5000 feet.

Many people don't realize the West Coast has its own native snowbell, a delicate shrub to small tree, from 5-10' tall x 3-5' wide, with silver bark and a very interesting basil burl allowing it to resprout after, heaven forbid, fire, or the more likely unfortunate mowing accident. Leaves are rounded and heart-shaped, to about 2", and the showy flowers, appearing in spring to early summer, are particularly large, bells to 1". In our region quite happy to go deciduous in a dry summer but with careful garden watering can go on to produce vibrant yellow fall color. Lean soil is best in sun to part shade. Prefers summer drought once established but tolerates occasional water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 6.