silver bells, (Halesia carolina), deciduous plant, of the storax family (Styracaceae), native to southeastern and southern United States and cultivated as an ornamental. The tree grows from 12 to 24 metres (40 to 80 feet) tall and has alternate, stalked, toothed, bright-green leaves 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) long. The white, bell-shaped flowers, about 2 cm (1 inch) long, are borne in clusters of two to five along the branches and open in late spring.