May 2009 Plant of the Month —
Fringetree

A beautiful spring bloomer, the Fringetree is also a native plant.
Photo by R. Maxey, UT Institute of Agriculture.
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Submitted by Dr. Susan Hamilton

Fringetree, or Old Man's Beard, is a beautiful tree with attractive white flowers that bloom in the spring. Fringetree, known by the scientific name Chionanthus virginicus, can grow nearly anywhere in the continental United States.

A deciduous native shrub, or small tree, Fringetree has a spreading, rounded habit that typically grows to between 12 and 20 feet tall. Fringetree most often occurs in rich, moist woods and on hillsides. It can also be found along moist stream banks, and interestingly, along rocky bluffs and ledges.

The name “Fringetree” or “Fringe tree” refers to the slightly fragrant flowers that feature airy, terminal, drooping clusters (between 4 and 6 inches long) of fringe-like, creamy white petals.

Fringetree is a dioecious plant, which means it has separate male and female plants. The male flowers tend to be showier than their female counterparts, but fertilized female flowers give way to clusters of fruit that resemble olives. When ripened to a dark, bluish black in late summer, the fruit serves as a food source for birds and other wildlife. The Fringetree’s wide, spear-shaped leaves (which can be as much as 8 inches long) turn yellow in autumn. Another consideration when using Fringetree in the landscape is to remember that Fringetree is not tolerant of prolonged drought.

I recommend using this small landscape tree in groups or as specimens in lawns or in shrub or woodland borders. It also is great for a native plant garden or near streams or ponds. This small tree is spectacular when in full bloom, but it is underused in the landscape. Fringetree deserves more attention by home gardeners and professional landscapers.

Dr. Susan Hamilton is an Associate Professor of Plant Sciences and interim director of the UT Gardens at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture in Knoxville. The UT Gardens are open public gardens that serve public horticulture teaching and research needs. Locations include Knoxville and Jackson.

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Contact:

Susan Hamilton, Department of Plant Sciences, 865-974-7324

Patricia McDaniels, UTIA Marketing & Communications, 615-835-4570