Fringe tree
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday November 2, 2008
Common name: Fringe tree
Light: Part shade
Height: 12-15 ft.
Spread: 15-20 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Origin: E. U.S.
The Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), like the Forsythia, is in the Olive family (Oleaceae). This deciduous shrub or small tree has an open crown often with multi-stems which branch near the ground. In late spring, when the dogwoods and azaleas are blooming, the Fringe tree is covered with “clouds” of numerous lacy-petalled highly fragrant flowers. Many insect species are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers. The genus name Chionanthus translates to “snow” and “flower”. It is one of the latest spring flowering trees and will appear dead until it flowers simultaneously with its foliage. The simple glossy leaves reach 3-8 inches long. In the fall, as the leaves turn greenish-yellow to brown, dark blue drupes of berries attract many types of birds and small mammals. The Fringe trees bark is brown with reddish scales. They like a moist, well-drained soil and are used in the mixed shrub border or as a specimen plant. This slow-growing tree takes 2 years to germinate from seed and therefore sometimes challenging to find larger plants on the market. Fringe tree’s provide food for songbirds as well as spring fragrance on The Grove rooftop garden at Franklin Park Conservatory- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
