Summary
The sweetly scented and cascading white flower panicles of fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) offer a stunning contrast to the quiet green of its emerging spring leaves. The change of seasons brings golden yellow foliage that extends fringe tree’s garden interest into autumn. This multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree usually grows up to 20′ tall with a rounded habit. It thrives in moist soils in full sun to part shade, although it can grow well in average garden soils provided they do not experience prolonged drought. Female trees produce dangling clusters of dark, rounded drupes with large pits. These fruits are consumed by several bird species while the pits are occasionally eaten by small mammals. Fringe tree can be planted alone as a conversation piece or as part of a mixed shrub border. Excellent companion to arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) and Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis) . Zones 3-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub, tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-to-partial-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
mid-to-late-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
yellow - Other Common Names
old man’s beard - Fruit/Seed Color
bluish-black
Additional Information
Floridata, Missouri Botanical Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Illinois Wildflowers