Makin, Julie
Chionanthus virginicus L.
White fringetree, Fringe tree, Grancy Graybeard
Oleaceae (Olive Family)
The primary attraction of this 15-30 ft.,
deciduous tree or
shrub is the drooping clusters of fragrant, white blossoms. Dark-blue, grape-like clusters of fruits are produced from female blossoms. The numerous delicate, fragrant, white-to-greenish-white flowers are composed of 4–6 strap-shaped petals 1 inch long by 1/16 inch wide. They hang in showy, branched clusters 4–6 inches long. Flowers open before or with the first leaves. Other features are dark-green, glossy foliage and a pale-gray trunk with bands of white. Leaves are
deciduous, opposite, 4–8 inches long and 1/4 inch wide; the
petiole is 1 inch long. Fall color is usually not significant.
Shrub or small
tree with short trunk, narrow,
oblong crown, and showy masses of fragrant, lacy, white flowers.
One of the last trees to bear new leaves in spring, it appears dead until the leaves and flowers appear. The
genus name
Chionanthus, meaning snow and flower, describes the blossoms.
Image Gallery:
25 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Arrangement: Opposite Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Bluish black
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DE , FL , GA , KY , LA , MD , MS , MO , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV , DC
Native Distribution: FL to e. TX, n. to NJ, s. OH, s. MO & OK; naturalized northward
Native Habitat: Damp woods; thickets; bluffs
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Loose, moist, sandy soils.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Berries are attractive to wildlife. Twigs and foliage are browsed by many animals. (The plant is only mildly tolerant of this browsing.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Chionanthus virginicus is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2012-05-21
