Chionanthus - Fringe Tree, Old-Man's-Beard

(Chionan'thus)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of about 120 deciduous trees or shrubs, of which two are often grown. The most popular is C. virginicus, a native of the eastern U.S. and commonly known as Fringe Tree and Old-Man's-Beard. It is usually a shrub growing 8 to 12 feet high, but in good conditions can grow into a tree 20 to 30 feet high. The Fringe Tree doesn't open its large, 3- to 8-inch, obovate-oblong leaves until late spring or early summer. Fringe trees grow slowly, but begin to blossom when they are only 2 to 4 feet high. Large (6- to 8-inch), pendant clusters of fragrant, white flowers open right after the leaves unfurl. Each tiny flower has four, 1-inch petals that are less than a quarter inch wide. These flower clusters look like fringe hanging on the tree, thus the common name Fringe Tree. Dark blue, grape-like fruits follow the flowers on female trees. These ornate berries, which are 1/2- to 3/4-inch, are eaten by birds. In autumn, the Fringe Tree's foliage turns golden yellow before falling. C. retusus, the Chinese Fringe Tree, is a native to Japan and China and can grow up to 20 feet high. It produces pale green leaves with downy white undersides, which are smaller than those of C. virginica. Panicles of pure white flowers are borne, in mid-summer.

POTTING: Grow these plants in a sunny place, in moist, loamy soil that has been improved with decayed manure or compost. The soil should be deep enough to hold the trees' long roots.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in a frame or cool greenhouse in March. Layers can be done in the spring. Cuttings, made of semi-ripe side shoots, 2 to 3 inches long, can be inserted in a frame in the summer. Keep the frame closed for a few weeks until they form roots.

VARIETIES: C. virginicus; C. retusus.

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

Back to our botanical home page.