Styrax grandifolius

SIMILAR SPECIES: In vegetative condition, this is a rather nondescript shrub with entire alternate obovate leaves. In flower, it is similar to Styrax americanus, with smaller serrated leaves. Both of these species are extremely rare in Ohio.

TOTAL RANGE: Throughout the southeastern United States from VA to FL, w. through LA and e. TX, n. to se. MO, s. IL, KY, and disjunct in se. OH.

STATE RANGE: ATHENS CO.: on a high hill near the Buffalo Beat, Buchtel, on an outcropping ledge of limestone, 23 May 1925, L. Stephenson (OS); north end of high ridge, 21 Sept. 1925, J.H. Schaffner (OS); near Buchtel 24 Sept. 1933, F. Bartley (BHO); near Buchtel, 1933, L. Stephenson (BHO); near Buchtel, 6 May 1939, F. Bartley (BHO); ---, n. d., E.L. Braun (US). It seems likely that all these specimens were collected from the same general area.

STATE STATUS: 1980 to present: Presumed Extirpated.

HABITAT: Low woods to higher, well drained sandy or limy woods and thickets.

HAZARDS: Unknown, but possibly opening of the canopy by logging.

RECOVERY POTENTIAL: Unknown, but possibly good, as these plants have been reported to send up extensive root suckers (Spongberg, 1976).

INVENTORY GUIDELINES: Collect mature flowering or fruiting material.

COMMENTS: The Ohio population of Bigleaf Snowbell is considerably disjunct from the main range of this species. Since the plant is showy and occasionally cultivated, there is some doubt as to its being indigenous to Ohio. However, calcareous area noted for isolated populations of rare species (Wistendahl, 1975). When in bloom this species is quite conspicuous. It is unlikely that it could be overlooked. The Athens County site probably has been destroyed.

SELECTED REFERENCES:

Cooperrider, T.S. 1995. The Dicotyledoneae of Ohio. Part 2. Linaceae through Campanulaceae. Ohio State Univ. Press, Columbus, OH. 656 pp.

Gonsoulin, G.J. 1974. A revision of Styrax (Styracaceae) in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Sida 5: 191-258.

Mears, J.A. 1972. Phylogenetic, biochemical, and morphological studies with some living specimens of natural extinct or relictual Styrax species. Bartonia 41: 61-69.

Schwegman, J.E. 1968. Styrax grandifolia in Illinois. Castanea 33: 348-349.

Spongberg, S.A. 1976. Styracaceae hardy in termperate North America. J. Arn. Arb. 57: 54-73.

Wistendahl, W.H. 1975. Buffalo, Beats, a relict prairie within a southeastern Ohio forest. Bull. Toreey Bot. Club 102(4): 178- 186.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Division of Natural Areas and Preserves

Created: 2/1985 Allison W. Cusick

Database Code: SPLC.862