Fringe Tree (aka Grancy Graybeard, Old Man's Beard)
Chionanthus virginicus
The Fringe Tree blooms at a very young age.
Native to the southeastern U.S.
Mature Height: 20 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Foliage: Deciduous, long slender dark green leaves which turn to yellow in the fall
Flower/Fruit: Creamy white fringe like panicles appear in April/May
Hardy to Zone 4
The literal translation for Chionanthus is "snow flower" and while the flowers of this tree are not as white as snow (they tend to look creamy with a greenish tint to me), this is a tree that can definitely stop traffic. Elizabeth Lawrence wrote that the flowers of the tree looked like slaw to her and she may have a point there but nevertheless, it is a beautiful small tree.
Native to the southeastern United States, the "grancy graybeard" is usually found along stream banks and growing as understory trees in forests. In the garden, it makes a dramatic focal point and it can also be used in borders. The tree tends to grow horizontally and branches often grow low to the ground (it can easily be described as a large shrub). For best bloom, trees should receive at least a half day of sun (afternoon shade would be beneficial). They appreciate moist, rich soil that is well drained. These trees can reach a height of 20 feet but the average height seems to be 12-15 feet.
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Mature Height: 20 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Foliage: Deciduous, long slender dark green leaves which turn to yellow in the fall
Flower/Fruit: Creamy white fringe like panicles appear in April/May
Hardy to Zone 4
The literal translation for Chionanthus is "snow flower" and while the flowers of this tree are not as white as snow (they tend to look creamy with a greenish tint to me), this is a tree that can definitely stop traffic. Elizabeth Lawrence wrote that the flowers of the tree looked like slaw to her and she may have a point there but nevertheless, it is a beautiful small tree.
Native to the southeastern United States, the "grancy graybeard" is usually found along stream banks and growing as understory trees in forests. In the garden, it makes a dramatic focal point and it can also be used in borders. The tree tends to grow horizontally and branches often grow low to the ground (it can easily be described as a large shrub). For best bloom, trees should receive at least a half day of sun (afternoon shade would be beneficial). They appreciate moist, rich soil that is well drained. These trees can reach a height of 20 feet but the average height seems to be 12-15 feet.
Back to Trees & Shrubs