Georgia Wildlife Federation

Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Native Plants < Native Plant Database < Chionanthus virginicus

In bloom, fringe tree takes on an ethereal, otherworldly look. Soft, wispy panicles of small white blossoms drape the branches, and the overall effect is that the entire tree has been festooned with lamb’s fleece or angel hair. The subtly fragrant flowers appear in May, just after the leaves, on the previous season’s wood. They are followed in mid- to late summer by dark blue, date-shaped fruits, which look quite ornamental until the birds gobble them up.

Fringe tree is dioecious, so if you want fruit, you’ll need both a female tree and male pollinator. But if it’s extra-showy flowers you’re after, all you’ll need is the male tree, since males have longer petals. Fringe tree is precocious and will flower when very young. Though it prefers moist, rich, acid soils, it is very adaptable and will tolerate poor soils and drought. This is a trouble-free plant.

Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)

Description: Large deciduous shrub or small tree with dark green, waxy, oval-shaped leaves measuring 3 to 8" long and up to 4" wide. 6 to 8" panicles of fragrant white flowers emerge in May. ½" dark blue fruits are available from July to September. Fall leaf color is yellow.

Size: 15 to 20’ high and wide, up to 30’ in the wild.

Habit: A cluster of stems supports a spreading crown; plants are often wider than high.

Growth Rate: Slow; 8 to 10’ in 10 years.

Light: Full sun to part shade.

Planting and Care: Transplant in spring, preferably into deep, moist, rich, acid soil.

Ornamental Value: Assets include fleecy white flowers in spring, dark green summer foliage, blue fruits in late summer, yellow fall color, small size, and a delicate, graceful winter habit.

Landscape Usage: Plant as a specimen or in groups, against a building or as part of the shrub border. Compact but spectacular in all seasons, this little tree is an especially good choice for the small garden or courtyard.

Wildlife Benefits: Fruits are eaten by wild turkeys, mockingbirds, blue jays, pileated woodpeckers, cardinals, and numerous mammals. White-tailed deer and many other animals browse the foliage.

Native Habitat: Found occasionally throughout Georgia in rich deciduous forests as well as along stream banks, swamp borders, and the edges of granite outcroppings.

Propagation: Softwood cuttings, grafting, layering, budding, double-stratified seed.