White Fringe Tree
Chionanthus virginicus
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Flowering, Fragrant, Fall Color/Interest, Native, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Non-invasive |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 3a to 9b |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
| Preferred Soil | Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Blooms In | Spring |
| Flower Color | White |
| Native | Yes |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors |
| Plant Name | Fringe |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Class | Oxalidales, Lamiales |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR |
Description
Showy, Pretty Native White Fringe Tree
- Gorgeous Native Tree
- Unusual Spring Flowers
- Showy, Smaller Ornamental Tree
- Fragrant Flowers
- Berries on Female Plants
- Berries Have Culinary Uses
- White Flowers On Male & Female Plants
- Urban Environment Tolerant
- Full Sun, Part Shade & Full Shade
- Wildlife Love Them
At Nature Hills, we aren't sure why this gorgeous native tree isn't better known. White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus, var. maritimus) is a knock-out ornamental in an early spring garden. Fragrant white flowers featuring exquisite, fine-textured ribbon-like petals simply cover this small tree.
It might look delicate, but trust us, this native tree is adaptable over a wide range of growing hardiness zones. This is a great, non-fussy tree. They'll even tolerate air pollution, and so make a good urban tree.
Be patient with it, as it's often the last tree to leaf out in the spring. Trust us, it's worth the wait because when it does leaf out, it simultaneously covers itself with these unusual white spring blooms.
They give the whole tree an appearance of being laced with elaborate white fringe, which is where it gets its name. You might hear some other common names, such as "Grancy Graybeard" or "Man Beard" tree.
This tree is actually related to the Olive family. The White Fringe Tree comes in both male and female plants. The pleasantly-fragrant flowers give over to clusters of small, olive-like fruits which are less than an inch long. They'll ripen to a dark navy blue in late summer. Only the female flowers produce fruit drupes.
The ripening fruit is an event eagerly anticipated by local birds and wildlife. You might want to set a reminder to watch for them to develop. If you don't, they'll be eaten that quickly and you'll miss the show.
Even the long, medium to dark green ovoid leaves are pretty. Because it's a deciduous tree, it will drop the wide, spear-shaped leaves in late autumn, but not until they've turned a golden-yellow. This tree makes an impact in your yard.
Order this beautiful native tree today!
How to Use White Fringe Tree in the Landscape
White Fringe Tree has a soft, sweet, open branching structure. You'll want to give this tree a special spot in the landscape.
Plant it in small groups of three or four along a woodland border. They can be placed along a driveway, or near a pond.
These can also be spectacular used as a backdrop to a shrub border. If you allow their lower branches to grow, they'll make great screening plants by early summer.
They'll work under utility wires and are also great for use as a specimen in a lawn.
#ProPlantTips for Care
Plant in full sun for best flowering. It may appreciate a bit of afternoon shade in the warmest zones.
They are very well adapted to sandy soils and acidic soils. However, they will tolerate a wide range of well-drained soils.
Provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. Please pay close attention to watering while the plant is getting established in your landscape after planting.
Prune after flowering is done to correct shape or remove crossing branches. Open the canopy to sunlight and air circulation as needed.
This is a plant you can feel good about. The fragrant, showy flowers simply shouldn't be missed. Order White Fringe Tree from the expert growers at Nature Hills today!
This is an interesting native tree that is well worth considering.
Single Stem, Multi Stem, Shrub Form, Oh My!
Before you buy, make sure you know what you’re getting! Single stem, multi stem and shrub forms are different so read a bit about which we’re currently offering below.
Single Stem:
These are plants that have one stem coming from the ground. Plants can also be considered single stem when lower branches are removed to raise the height of the branching. Sometimes, you will hear a single stem referred to as Tree Form.
Multi Stem:
These are plants with 2 or more stems planted together in the ground in close proximity to form a clump. There are times multi stems are formed by a tree that branches at the soil line with more than one main stem.
Shrub Form:
These are bushy plants with many stems and branchings close to the ground. They are referred to as shrubs or bushes and are often shorter than their tree forms.
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
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