Japanese Styrax. This is one nifty small tree for the modern compact residential garden. It is the perfect small tree with its twiggy branches and voluminous small bell-like flowers which hang from under its branches. My older brother asked me for a recommendation for a small tree to go outside of his backdoor on which to hang his hummingbird feeders. He has been forever singing its praises. Dirr mentions that it has not fared as well in his garden and on the UGA campus. I'm convinced that this species likes uniform moisture, and if this is provided, results are much more impressive. I have seen it growing and flowering in its native Japan, and it is spirit moving. Fall color is a nice yellow to reddish, but not its major selling point.
Zones 5-8
