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Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Fringetree

Chionanthus virginicus
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Glade
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: White
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

8 to
10
feet

Spread:

5 to
8
feet
Size
Height: 8 to
10
feet
Spread: 5 to
8
feet
Size
Height: 8 to
10
feet
Spread: 5 to
8
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Beautiful as a specimen shrub or in groups. Background plant in borders or native plant gardens or use along streams and ponds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows best in average, fertile soil but is very adaptable. Does not tolerate dry gravel-based soil but will grow in dry clay soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description

Shimmering, white frothy flowers blanket this shrub/small tree in May or June. Small, round, bluish olive-like fruit form on female trees in fall and are eaten by many types of birds. Leaves often turn bright yellow in fall. This beauty is a Plants of Merit winner. Host plant for larvae of moths including the Fringetree Sallow (Sympistis chionanthi), Waved Sphinx (Ceratomia undulosa), Rustic Sphinx (Manduca rustica), and Fawn Sphinx (Sphinx kalmiae).

 

Fringetree in flower. Photo: Mike Leahy

 

Fringetree fall color. Photo: Carol Davit.

 

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