Fringe Tree - Chionanthus virginicus var. Maritimus
Olive Family: Oleaceae
Hardiness Zones: 3-9 / Height: 12 to 20'
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One of our finest spring bloomers is the fringe tree, Chionanthus virginicus, a small form considered by many to be one of the most beautiful North American native plants. But, beautiful as it is, it remains uncommon in gardens. Fringe tree, also called Grancy Gray-beard and Old-man's beard, is native throughout the southeastern states but is nowhere abundant. It blooms as the dogwoods finish and after the trees have leafed out, so it's easy to miss in its wild habitat.

It grows as a multi-stemmed tree or large shrub, usually reaching 15 to 20 feet in height and spread in cultivation. It can reach 30 feet in the wild with a main trunk sometimes 10 inches through, though such specimens are rare. The snow white fringe tree flowers are produced in loose, terminal 6-inch long panicles that have the ethereal look of puffy white clouds. Each flower on the panicle is four-petaled, strap shaped blooms. Individual plants are dioecious (either male or female), with male plants being more showy because of their longer petals. Like forsythia, the fringe tree belongs to the olive family. Fringe trees are deciduous with the opposite, 6-inch long, toothless, glossy green leaves appearing as plants bloom. Fringe trees are notoriously slow growing, seldom making more than 6 inches of growth a year.

Trees less than 25 to 30 feet in height are generally considered small. Many small trees are comparatively very fast growing providing the new landscape with quick shade; yet, many are comparatively short-lived (15-25 years). They are ideal for informal groupings as they require much less room than larger specimens. Many small trees provide major interest and accent with seasonal bloom, seed pods, and fall color, thus making excellent specimen plantings.

Small and intermediate size trees play an important role in the landscape. They can be quite functional and offer seasonal beauty. These trees are generally very easy to maintain and require a minimum of pruning. The limited space in urban settings requires the extensive use of small and intermediate sized trees. This is especially true in street, mall, and plaza projects, where a pavement will completely surround the tree and utilities (telephone, electrical) wires are either above or below ground. One needs to choose a tree which will remain relatively small in stature but offer large aesthetic benefits. Residential landscapes utilize many of these trees as "understory" trees in natural areas where shade is a factor. Blooms, berries and foliage color are also strong assets for most of the trees in this group.