Chinese Fringetree (Chionanthus retusus)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Oleaceae
Native Range: Eastern Asia
Leaf: deciduous, opposite or subopposite, simple and entire, leaf shape variable
Twig and Bud: twigs gray or brown, buds small and conical
Flower, Fruit and Seed: flowers in clusters, white and fringe-like, fruit ½ inch long and dark blue
Bark: ridged and exfoliating
Shape and Mature Height: rounded or spreading, 10-25 feet tall
Garden Value and Considerations
Chinese fringetrees can grow in part shade to full sun, but a sunny spot is preferred. Avoid prolonged dry periods. A profusion of mildly fragrant white blooms adorns these trees in late spring to early summer. Female trees produce attractive dark blue fruits in late summer or early fall. The ridged and exfoliating bark provides year-round interest.
Notes
Chinese fringetree fruits are eaten by birds and other wildlife through the fall and often into the winter.
