Family Code: STYRAC Genus Code: HALES Genus CN: silverbell Genus Authority: Ellis ex L. Genus Summary: A genus of about 4 species, trees and shrubs, of e. North America and e. Asia. The genus was named to honor Stephen Hales; it therefore seems more appropriate to pronounce the genus with three syllables (the accent on the first) than the commonly heard four, which thoroughly distorts the honoree's name. The number of taxa in our area and their appropriate taxonomic level are in dispute; recent analyses vary from from 2-5, with specific or varietal status. Genus References: Fritsch in FNA (2009); Fritsch & Lucas (2000)=X; Reveal & Seldin (1976)=Y; Sargent (1921); Godfrey (1988)=Z. Last Updated: 2019-11-29 Publish: 1