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Native Plants of the Southeast

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Chionanthus virginicus
Fringe Tree, Flowering Ash, Grandfather Graybeard, Grancy Graybeard, Greybeard, Old Man's Beard, Snowflower Tree, White Fringetree,

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Found in moist woods, stream banks, limestone glades and rocky bluffs from Virginia south to East Texas, Fringe Tree is an outstanding ornamental shrub or small tree (twelve to twenty feet) well adapted to our climate in the Carolina piedmont. It thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. The masses of fragrant flowers are extremely showy, frilly white and delicate, appearing in late April to early May just before or with the foliage. Fringe Tree is dioecious (separate male and female plants), with the male flowers very slightly more showy than the female. However, the female plants sport attractive, bluish-black, olive-like fruit in clusters in the late summer, attracting birds such as Cardinals, Bluebirds, Mockingbirds, Woodpeckers. In addition, the foliage hosts many butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including several Sphinxes. Fringe tree has no serious pest or disease problems. With the decline of our beloved Dogwood, Frige Tree is being called upon to provide bright white flowers on a small tree form in suburban landscapes. It is very useful in urban plantings as it is tolerant of air pollution.

Last Updated: May 15, 2019

Key Info

Scientific Name: Chionanthus virginicus L.
Common Names: Fringe Tree, Flowering Ash, Grandfather Graybeard, Grancy Graybeard, Greybeard, Old Man's Beard, Snowflower Tree, White Fringetree,
Family Name: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Uses: Specimen flowering tree, Hedge, Butterfly garden
Light Requirement: Full sun, Partial/sunny, Partial/shady
Moisture Requirement: Medium, Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Bloom Times: May, Jun
Flower Color: White
Special Characteristics: Attracts butterflies, Attracts birds, Flowers fragrant, Tolerates urban pollution, Showy fruit (female)

Additional Info

Habit: Small tree or large shrub with a spreading, rounded crown.
Height: 12'-20'
Spread: 12'-20'
Growth Rate: Medium to slow
Soil Conditions: Loose, moist, sandy soils; grows well on our acid, clay-based native soil at the nursery.
Leaves: Opposite, simple, leathery, ovate to elliptical, 4 to 8 inches long, pinnately-veined with a smooth margin, green above and paler below.
Flowers (or reproductive structures): Dioecious. Drooping panicles of fragrant flowers up to 8" long x 6" across are produced from the axils of last year's leaves. Each panicle is divided into several clusters of flowers, each flower with 4 long, white, twisty petals held in place by a tight, green calyx. Male and female flowers appear similar at a distance, the petals being somewhat longer on the male.
Fruit: Dark bluish-black drupes (berries) maturing in late summer.
Natural Distribution: Moist woods, thickets, bluffs.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FAC (FACU on coast)
Pollination: Butterflies, hummingbirds
Wildlife Connections: Birds and mamals eat berries, deer eat leaves; larval host for Rustic Sphinx.
Downside: Mites can be a problem in full sun locations.
Propagation: By seeds (need double stratification).
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov

Availability

Available: Gallons, $15
Available: 3-Gallons, $40

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Office: (919) 542-6186

Appointments: (919) 885-8642

Who we are

Cure Nursery is a small nursery propagating and selling native plants for the Southeastern U.S. We are located near the town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, in central NC.

our hours

Cure Nursery operates by appointment only. Call us or email us to arrange a time to come out, or for delivery.

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