white fringe tree
Chionanthus virginicus
MBG Plant of Merit 2001
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size12 to 20 feet tall12 to 20 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Creamy white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
White fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a tree for borders, specimen planting, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Drooping clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers open in spring, before or with the first leaves. It leafs out late and can look dead until then, so be patient. Bees visit the blooms, and birds eat the dark-blue fruits that follow on female trees.
Pairs well with Spicebush, Switchgrass, Aromatic aster, and Sedge.
Native range
Eastern United States.