White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

White Fringetree

(Chionanthus virginicus)

White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nova | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Chionanthus_virginicus_Śniegowiec_wirginijski_2019-06-01_04.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Brookside Gardens, Maryland. Names: Chionanthus virginicus L., Amerikansk Sneflokketræ, Arbre à neige, Fringetree, Grancy Gray Beard, Old Man's Beard, Śniegowiec wirgini

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Chionanthus virginicus, commonly known as White Fringetree, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats in the Central and Southeastern USA, including moist woodland areas, stream banks, and limestone outcrops. It typically grows to a height of 12-20 feet (3.7-6.1 meters) and a width of 12-20 feet (3.7-6.1 meters), with a rounded, spreading form. The White Fringetree is noted for its fragrant, showy, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring, giving the appearance of a white fringe. The flowers are followed by olive-like fruits that are attractive to birds. The bark is light gray and can be exfoliating on older specimens, adding winter interest.

This species is valued for its adaptability to different soil types, including those with alkaline pH, and its relatively low maintenance requirements. It is often used as a specimen plant, in naturalized or woodland gardens, and as an ornamental in residential landscapes. White Fringetree prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil; it can tolerate high water levels but is also somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but it can be affected by emerald ash borer and scale insects. Gardeners should be aware of these potential issues and monitor for signs of infestation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 12-20 feet
Width: 12-20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist woodland areas, stream banks, and limestone outcrops

Other Names

Common Names: Fringetree, American Fringetree, Old-Man’s-Beard, Poison-Ash, Virginischer Schneeflockenstrauch, Arbre À Franges, Arbre De Neige, Snöflockbuske

Scientific Names: , Chionanthus virginicus, Chionanthus virginicus var. virginicus, Chionanthus virginicus var. maritimus, Chionanthus latifolius, Chionanthus fragrans, Chionanthus obovatus, Chionanthus virginicus subsp. maritimus, Linociera cotinifolia, Chionanthus cotinifolius

GBIF Accepted Name: Chionanthus virginicus L.