Description

Description
Fringetree is a deciduous tree that grows up to 30 feet tall, but smaller through most of its range. The leaves are opposite with a smooth margin. The bark is scaly with dark brown ridges and red furrows. In late spring, fragrant, white flower clusters 2 to 3 inches long mature hanging from 4 to 8-inch stalks. The small tree produces a 3/4-inch, dark blue drupe that matures in late summer.

This plant grows best in full to part sun and average, well-drained soil. It tolerates some drought. Does not grow well on acid soils.

Fringetrees are rarely available labeled as male or female, so unless they are purchased in bloom or with fruit present, it is impossible to know which one you are getting. Fortunately, both are beautiful. They are best transplanted when young.

Genus:
Chionanthus
Species:
virginicus
Family:
Oleaceae
Uses (Ethnobotany):
Native Americans used this plant for disinfectant and dermatological aid.
Life Cycle:
Woody
Country Or Region Of Origin:
Central & Eastern U.S.A
Distribution:
Throughout East, South East (Texas to NY and Massachusetts).
Fire Risk Rating:
low flammability
Wildlife Value:
Fruits are eaten by songbirds and small mammals.
Play Value:
Attracts Pollinators
Fragrance
Shade
Wildlife Food Source
Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
Resistant to fire and moderately resistant to damage from deer.
Dimensions:
Height: 12 ft. 0 in. – 30 ft. 0 in.
Width: 12 ft. 0 in. – 20 ft. 0 in.

Light:
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil Texture:
High Organic Matter
Loam (Silt)
Soil Drainage:
Good Drainage
Moist
Occasionally Dry
Available Space To Plant:
12-24 feet
Region:
Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a

Flower Color:
Cream/Tan
White
Flower Value To Gardener:
Fragrant
Showy
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring
Flower Petals:
4-5 petals/rays
Flower Size:
3-6 inches
Flower Description:
The Fringetree has dioecious (separate male and female plants), but also may have perfect flowers on each plant. These are delicately fragrant paniculate flowers produced on previous years growth; ivory to white clusters 2 to 3 in. long. The male flowers are showier than female flowers due to longer petals, however, both male and female trees are striking in bloom. Flowers bloom from April to May.