Fringetree

Chionanthus virginicus

(Photo by Nicole Rutledge)

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Taxonomy _(1,3)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Oleaceae
Common name: Fringetree, Grancy Gray-beard, White Fringetree, Old-man's-beard

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General Information _(1,2,4)

Region of Origin: Southeastern United States
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Growth Habit: Small tree or tall shrub

• Size: 12-20 feet tall
• Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous
• Flowering: May to June
• Fruiting: August to September

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Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves ₍₁₎

• Arrangement: Opposite
• Simple/Compound: Simple
• Shape: Elliptic to obovate-oblong
• Other: 3-8 inches long, sometimes pubescent on lower surface

(Photo by Nicole Rutledge)

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Stem/Bark ₍₁₎

• Color: Gray
• Texture: Slightly ridged and furrowed

(Photo by Nicole Rutledge)

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Flower ₍₁₎

• Perfect/Imperfect: Imperfect (Dioecious)
• Color: White
• Inflorescence type: Panicle

(Photo by Nicole Rutledge)

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Fruit ₍₁₎

• Fruit type: Drupe
• Size: 1/2-2/3 inch
• Color: Dark blue

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Horticultural Information _(1,2,4)

• Light: Full sun to partial shade

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Interesting Facts ₍₂₎

• The bark has been used as the source of a tonic said to be a diuretic and a fever reducer.
  

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References

1) Dirr, M. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (5th ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub..
2) Christman, Steve. (2004, April 16). Chionanthus virginicus. Floridata. Retrieved March 27, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/chionan.cfm
3) Brickell, C., Cole, T. J. (. J., & American Horticultural Society. (2002). American Horticultural Society encyclopedia of plants and flowers (Rev. and updated. ed.). New York: DK Pub..
4) Everett, T. H., & New York Botanical Garden. (1980). The New York Botanical Garden illustrated encyclopedia of horticulture. New York: Garland Pub..

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