Chionanthus virginicus
White Fringetree, Old-man's-beard
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Average mature size of 12-20' tall and 12-20' wide under cultivation can get to 25-30' tall and 25-30' in the wild. Slow growth rate, 4-6" per year.
Native Range
Southeast US, but can be found in a variety of habitats as far north as Maine and Minnesota.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are white, slightly fragrant, clustered in 6-8" long panicles, May to early June. Dioecious or polygamo-dioecious. Each of the 4 petals are 0.06-0.08" wide and 0.75-1.25" long. Fruits are dark blue, fleshy, egg-shapped drupes, 0.33-0.66" long, August to September.
Leaf and Bark Features
Fall color usually yellowish green-brown, but can also be bright to golden yellow. Bark is gray, smooth on young branches, slightly ridged and furrowed on older branches.
Culture and Care
Transplant in spring. Prefers deep, moist, fertile, acid soils, but is extremely adaptable. Full sun to partial shade.