The bluebell tree, easily confused with the trumpet tree, originates from central and western China. Its wood has many different beneficial properties: it is flame-resistant, insulates against cold temperatures, is stable, and looks good. This makes it highly sought after in furniture manufacturing, for musical instruments, and even for surfboards.

• Home/origin: Central and western China

• Growth: up to 15 meters

• Leaves: deciduous, up to 45 cm wide, matt dark green to light green, velvety hairy

• Flower: April/May, before leaf budding, racemose inflorescences, bell-shaped, pink-violet, yellow-striped inside

• Fruit: broad capsule fruit, initially greenish, later brown, remains on the tree until the next flowering, contains around 600 winged seeds

• Use/suitability: wood for furniture, musical instruments, ornamental tree