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Tree Walk – Chinese Fringetree

//Tree Walk – Chinese Fringetree
Tree Walk – Chinese Fringetree 2022-06-06T07:52:30+00:00

Chinese Fringetree (Chionanthus retusus)

Identifying Features

Plant Family: Oleaceae

Native Range: Eastern Asia

Leaf: deciduous, opposite or subopposite, simple and entire, leaf shape variable

Twig and Bud: twigs gray or brown, buds small and conical

Flower, Fruit and Seed: flowers in clusters, white and fringe-like, fruit ½ inch long and dark blue

Bark: ridged and exfoliating

Shape and Mature Height: rounded or spreading, 10-25 feet tall

Garden Value and Considerations

Chinese fringetrees can grow in part shade to full sun, but a sunny spot is preferred.  Avoid prolonged dry periods.  A profusion of mildly fragrant white blooms adorns these trees in late spring to early summer.  Female trees produce attractive dark blue fruits in late summer or early fall.  The ridged and exfoliating bark provides year-round interest.   

Notes

Chinese fringetree fruits are eaten by birds and other wildlife through the fall and often into the winter.