Styrax americanus ‘Kankakee Form’ (ex: Seneca Hill) – ​This is a rare northern form selected from one population among the disjointed wild populations found in southern Illinois and into Indiana. 'Kankakee Form' came to us from Ellen Hornig, the owner of the fine Seneca Hill Perennials which is now sadly closed. The flowers are lovely white bells as with the straight species. This is certainly genetically hardier than the more prevalent southern form – certainly through USDA zone 5 and I wonder if it might not also be possible into the warmer part of zone 4? It is also smaller growing than the southern form topping off at about 4.5’ to 5’. Foliage is bright green. Site this lovely compact form of Styrax americanus in plenty of sun planted in moist acid soil. For gardeners towards the northern end of its range spring planting is advised. Cutting grown.

This note came to us on 4.27.2019 from Will Forster: "I'm the person who collected the seed of Styrax americanus ‘Kankakee Form’ from the late Dr. Whiteside's place & sent to Ellen. You folks have southern IL listed on your description. The Kankakee River area is in northern IL & IN. That said  Dr. Whiteside also had a flowering Styrax americanus from nearby Crawford County IL near the Kankakee County IL plant so it is entirely possible the seedlings you grow have genes from both populations." ...Will, we've corrected the geographical location to include Indiana. And thank you for all the pertinent info.