#153 Chionanthus virginicus Common Names: fringetree, Grancy Gray Beard Family: Oleaceae (olive Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #153

A bonfire provides a smokey blue background for this fringetree in full bloom.

Location
Fringetree occurs in moist, rich woodlands from Pennsylvania to Florida, and west to Arkansas and Texas, often near streams.

Culture
Light: Full sun to partial shade. Fringetree does well in the filtered shade under large trees.
Moisture: Prefers moist, well drained situations but is also tolerant of droughty conditions.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10.
Propagation: Seeds or cuttings.

In early spring the delicately fragrant fringetree flowers appear on bare stems followed a short time later by the fresh green foliage. Click to download a large version of this image

Features
Fringetree is one of the most beautiful flowering trees around. It blooms about the same time as the dogwoods and azaleas. It is adaptable to a variety of light and soil conditions. The bark has been used as the source of a tonic said to be a diuretic and a fever reducer. Fringetree is attractive to a variety of insects while in bloom, and to birds and small mammals when fruiting. The related pygmy fringetree (Chionanthus pygmaeus) is an endangered species restricted to the scrub communities of Central Florida.

Steve Christman 06/04/97; updated 3/20/00, 4/16/04

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