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
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
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)
Stem/Bark (1)
- Color: Gray
- Texture: Slightly ridged and furrowed
(Photo by Nicole Rutledge)
Flower (1)
- Perfect/Imperfect: Imperfect (Dioecious)
- Color: White
- Inflorescence type: Panicle
(Photo by Nicole Rutledge)
Fruit (1)
- Fruit type: Drupe
- Size: 1/2-2/3 inch
- Color: Dark blue
Horticultural Information (1,2,4)
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
Interesting Facts (2)
- The bark has been used as the source of a tonic said to be a diuretic and a fever reducer.
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..
Edited by Jessica Bartek
Department of Biology
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