Chinese Fringetree
Chionanthus retusus
Planted 2008
Chinese fringetree, a native to Asia, is noted for its profuse spring bloom of fragrant white flowers. It can be grown as a large, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub growing to 10-20’ tall with a rounded, wide-spreading or as a small tree form ultimately reaching 30-40’ tall.
| Height | Width | Zone | Growth Rate | Water Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-30 ft. | 20 ft. | 5B - 9 | Slow | Moderate |
Leaf
Quite variable in leaf characteristics but tend to be leathery and lustrous and persist into late fall.
Fruit
Fruit produced only on female plants is purple/blue in color and highly prized by many birds.
Flower
Pure white, fragrant flowers with fringe-like petals, hang in terminal panicles from April to early May.
Advantages
Flowers, fruits and foliage are highly ornamental, as is the handsome gray-brown bark.
Disadvantages
No serious insect or disease problems. Plants sold commercially may not be identified as either male or female.