Fringe Tree

Fringe Tree

Chionanthus virginicus

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest, Urban
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

The Fringe Tree, also known as the Grancy Greybeard, is a shrub or small tree with a short trunk, narrow, oblong crown, and showy masses of fragrant, lacy, white flowers that hang in drooping clusters in late spring. The soft, wispy flowers are followed by dark blue fruits in the summer that are enjoyed by many animals. One of the last trees to bear new leaves in spring, the Fringe Tree appears dead until the leaves and flowers appear. This trouble-free plant is very adaptable and tolerant of poor soil and drought. Height: 12-20’

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Chionanthus
Species: Chionanthus virginicus

Scientific Name

Chionanthus virginicus
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
April-June

Ecological Role

Larval host of the Rustic sphinx (Manduca rustica) and the berries are eaten by various wildlife

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Habitat Types

Forest
Urban

Geographic Distribution

Native to the savannas and lowlands of the northeastern and southeastern United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida, and west to Oklahoma and Texas.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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