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.
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
Hardy From Zone:
Hardy To Zone:


Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, 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
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.