The Fringetree is a small tree that is native to the
Eastern United States.
The “fringe” of this tree refers to the long, white,
clusters of drooping flowers in late spring. They are mildly fragrant and give
it its alternate common name of “Old Man’s Beard.”
It prefers moist, but well-draining and fertile soil. It
flowers best in full-sun to part-shade. It typically reaches between 12 to 20
feet tall.
Deer love to munch on it, so keep it protected while it
is still young and small. Once it gains its height, the deer cannot reach those
yummy leaves.
This tree seldom needs pruning and is tolerant of air
pollution, so it makes a good choice for urban gardens.
A Fringetree can be male or female—the male version being
the one with slightly showier flowers. The female tree’s flowers, if fertilized,
produce clusters of olive-like fruits in late summer that are a desirable food
source for birds and wildlife.
Fringetree looks especially beautiful set against a
backdrop of dark evergreen trees and its white blossoms practically glow in the
moonlight.
There is a Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus) that is
very similar in appearance to our native species. The native one has smooth
bark, while the Asian one has bark with furrows of dark brown
and light gray.
Fringetree - You Can Grow That!
Read more about Fringetree in the November 2014 issue of Washington Gardener Magazine.
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by Washington Gardener Magazine.
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