Tokyo Tower Fringe Tree

Chioanthus retusus 'Tokyo Tower'

Planted 2016

This Fringe Tree is smaller than the regular Chinese Fringe Tree. Its branches are more upright and it has a more columnar growing habit. Its flowers are white and fragrant, making the tree look like it has fringe The leaves are green and turn yellow in the fall. The bark exfoliates, creating winter interest.

Tokyo Tower Fringe Tree
 
Close up of Tokyo Tower Fringe Tree leaf
 
Close up of Tokyo Tower Fringe Tree bark
Height Width Zone Growth Rate Water Use
12-15 ft. 4-6 ft. 5-9 Moderate Medium

Leaf

Opposite and leathery. Green in the summer and yellow in the fall.

Fruit

Blue, looks somewhat like a blueberry.

Flower

White, fringe-like flowers, fragrant.

Advantages

Tolerant of urban settings and pollution, little pruning and maintenance required.

Disadvantages

Prefers moist, acidic soils, intolerant of long dry periods, can be messy.