Chionanthus virginicus
white fringetree, fringetree, fringe tree, grancy graybeard
Family
Oleaceae
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
oblong, elliptic, lanceolate, obovate
Growth Form
shrub, tree
Flower Color
white
Flower Month
March - April
Height (meters)
10.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Wetland Class
FACU
Field Characters
A small tree with stout, 4-angled twigs, and opposite leaves with purple petioles and rolled leaf margins.
Cultural Information
Plants dioecious (so some individuals will not bear fruit); fruit a dark blue (at maturity) drupe. Drupes green prior to ripening.
Animal Use
Fruit is utilized by a variety of bird species and the plant is also browsed by deer.
Habitat
Rich woods, along streams.