Common Name

Fringe Tree

Scientific Name

Chionanthus virginicus

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
Habitat

Forest, Urban

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.

Seasonality

Spring, Summer, Fall

Abundance

Common

Activity Time

Diurnal

Diet

Behavior

Ecological Role

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

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threats & Impacts

Notes