To see one in bloom is to want one. One of the later spring blooming ornamental specimens glamorizing Columbia lawns, woodlands, and public parkways is the southeastern native fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus. To see one in bloom is to want one. White silky thread–like fragrant flowers shimmer and shake from branches like the fringe on a flapper dress. Both male and female trees flaunt flowers in April or May with male trees bearing longer and showier panicles. The glossy green foliage turns muted yellow–brown in fall.

Some early observers thought the flowers looked like beards, hence the common names Grancy graybeard or old man’s beard. The Greek name, Chionanthus, meaning snow flower seems more appropriate.

The hardy deciduous trees flower best in full sun but leaves prefer some shade. They adapt to most soils but prefer acidic, well–drained moist sites.

Native fringetrees mature to a height of 12–20 feet. They grow with multiple trunks unless thinned to be single trunk trees. In one year they add only 6–10 inches in height.

Propagation is through seed; germination can take up to 18 months. Michael Dirr and others have spent a great deal of time attempting propagation by cuttings to no avail yet. The absence of named cultivars at garden centers is the result.

Fringetrees offer versatility in the landscape. Where space is restricted, the fringetree slips into small spaces near patios or decks, in courtyards, or under power lines. They are used as solo specimens in clusters and within mixed shrub borders. In natural woodland garden settings fringetree is a good understory companion with wild azaleas, rhododendron, dogwoods, redbud, and hydrangeas.

To achieve a stunning flowering effect, plant the fringetree in front of an evergreen hedge or among magnolias and camellias. The female tree’s blue–black olive– shaped fruit, a clue to the tree’s olive family membership, attracts birds and small mammals.

Birds and small mammals relish the fal l fruit of the fringetree. Photo courtesy of Commons. Wikimedia Municipalities utilize the attractive tree because they tolerate city air pollution and adapt to urban soils.

Indicative of native plants, the fringetree has few insect or disease problems.

Fringetree is a breathtaking plant for your garden.
The rounded crown of the petite tree makes a good summer shade specimen.
Young trees have multiple trunks.