there are five species from North America. This genus is made up of small to medium-sized trees and large shrubs. Some authors use the synonym Styrax grandifolia for the same plant. Styrax grandifolius can often be confused with Styrax americanus, because they have similar ranges and appearance. A notable difference being a difference in leaf size, Styrax grandifolius has larger leaves than Styrax americanus. Distribution and Habitat Styrax grandifoliusis a plant species native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas and Missouri. and is most commonly found in upland forests of the southeast piedmont. Bigleaf snowbells grow in shaded areas, open mesic upland forests, or in the vicinity of floodplains. often on well- drained slopes. These plants can grow in many different kinds of soil conditions, such as rocky clay, sandy soil on hillsides, to gravelly soil. they also have broad pH tolerance, being able to grow in soil with a pH from 5-7, and often found in a wide elevation range from as low as approximately 90 ft. to as high as 1,300 ft. Despite Styrax grandifolius being able to grow in several different soil types, conditions, and deal with moderate disturbance as well as some types of forest fires. They have a low tolerance for saturated soil and direct sunlight, which is why its often found as an under story plant. Ecology Styrax grandifolius occurs in many different communities including mixed-mesic or upland deciduous forests in the southeastern United States. Bigleaf snowbell attracts several different pollinators, the most common of which are honeybees and bumblebees. Other pollinators also will seek out the Bigleaf snowbell such as, swallowtail butterflies, syrphid flies, sphingid moths, wasps, and solitary bees. Protection Status & Potential Threats Styrax grandifolius is considered to be secure worldwide by the Nature Conservancy. However, in the United States the Styrax grandifolius status varies from state to state. In Illinois and Indiana bigleaf snow bell is considered endangered, while in Virginia it is only on the watch list, and in Ohio it is presumed extricated. This understory shrub is at some risk from some forest management methods that clear the forest canopy, such as clear cutting or even selective logging of larger trees. Because, Styrax grandifolius is intolerant to direct sun exposure. Land development is another threat, while Styrax grandifolius can withstand some damage from landscaping activities, compacted soil negatively impacts