Plant Library

Chionanthus virginicus

White Fringetree

(American Fringetree) A graceful native deciduous small tree/large shrub prized for its fragrant, fringe-like white flowers in late spring. This adaptable understory plant offers clean summer foliage, yellow fall color, and (on female plants) blue-black fruit that adds wildlife value.
Size:


Width: 12–20 ft


Height: 12–20 ft (Often multi-stemmed; can be trained to a single trunk.)


Zones: 3a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (Best flowering in full sun to light shade.)
Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; adaptable to clay and loam; prefers slightly acidic pH
Features:


Flowers: Fragrant, white, fringe-like blooms in late spring


Foliage: Glossy green; turns clear yellow in fall


Fruit: Blue-black drupes on female plants (with a male nearby)


Form: Rounded to spreading, multi-stemmed small tree or large shrub


Attracts: Pollinators; birds (on fruiting female plants)
Uses: Specimen planting, woodland edges, native gardens, understory tree, pollinator gardens
Notes:


Dioecious: Male and female plants are separate; fruit requires both sexes.


Native to eastern North America; low maintenance and generally pest-resistant.


Tolerates urban conditions once established.

Minimum zone

3

Maximum zone

9

Height

12-20'

Width

12-20'