Fringe Tree
Chionanthus virginicus
A native treasure that produces clouds of fragrant white flowers resembling fringe in late spring, earning it the nickname 'Old Man's Beard'. This adaptable small tree or large shrub offers multi-season interest with its showy blooms, bright yellow fall color, and dark blue berries on female plants. An excellent choice for naturalistic gardens and wildlife habitat.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-30 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Fringe Tree in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Fringe Tree · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet. Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 12 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Low. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fertilized perfect or female flowers give way to clusters of olive-like fruits which ripen to a dark, bluish black from July to September and are a food source for birds and wildlife.
Color: Black, Blue. Type: Berry, Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Central & Eastern U.S.A
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Fire, Pollution, Urban Conditions
- +Attracts: Resistant to fire and moderately resistant to damage from deer.
- +Wildlife value: Fruits are eaten by songbirds and small mammals.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Azalea
Similar acidic soil preferences and partial shade tolerance, creates layered woodland garden
Rhododendron
Complementary blooming periods and shared preference for well-draining, slightly acidic soil
Hosta
Thrives in partial shade beneath fringe tree canopy, provides contrasting foliage texture
Ferns
Excellent understory plants that appreciate the dappled shade and moisture retention
Coral Bells
Colorful foliage complements fringe tree's delicate flowers, tolerates partial shade
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that thrives in similar woodland conditions and soil moisture
Astilbe
Feathery flowers complement fringe tree blooms, both prefer consistent moisture
Camellia
Similar soil pH requirements and provides winter interest when fringe tree is dormant
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can inhibit growth and cause yellowing of fringe tree foliage
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds in leaves and roots can suppress growth of nearby plants
Pine Trees
Heavy needle drop creates overly acidic conditions and competes aggressively for water
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very few problems
Common Pests
Scale insects, borers (rare)
Diseases
Leaf spot (minor), generally very healthy