Salisbury has a very rare tree in full bloom in Hurley Park near the hospital. Carolina Silverbell (Halesa carolina) is a rare specimen tree, fully flowered, that well warrants a visit.
It’s the only one I’ve observed outside of my landscape class in college. Silverbells are small- to medium-sized tree and grow best in partial shade.
It is a natural understory tree with a similar growth habit as our native dogwoods.
Silverbells grow best in well-drained, fertile soils with abundant organic matter. As do native dogwoods, they prefer soils that are acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.0).
Silverbells are somewhat drought-tolerant but grow best along stream banks in wooded locations.
Drive by the corner of Annandale and Henderson Street across from Rowan Regional Hospital while the Silverbell is at its peak.