The fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) also called old man’s beard is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the savannas and lowlands of the northeastern and southeastern United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida, and west to Oklahoma and Texas.
A fringe tree grows to a height of 12 to 20 feet, though in ideal conditions, it might reach up to 30 feet (9 meters). Its spread is usually about the same as its height, giving it a broadly rounded to oval shape. The trees are suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9.
The leaves of the fringe tree are generally oval to elliptical in shape, with a pointed tip. They can sometimes appear somewhat lance-shaped. The leaves have a smooth texture on the upper side, while the underside might be slightly paler and can have a bit of hairiness, especially along the veins. During these seasons, the leaves are a glossy, dark green on the upper surface. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright yellow color, although this can vary with some trees showing less vibrant fall colors depending on climate and soil conditions.
Each flower has four slender, elongated petals, giving them a fringe-like or fringe appearance, which is why the tree is sometimes called “old man’s beard.”. The petals can sometimes number more or less than four but four is typical. The flowers are generally pure white, although they might have a slight green or yellow tint when they first open. Individual flowers are relatively small, but they hang in long, loose, panicles (clusters) that can be up to 4 to 8 inches.
Fringe trees bloom in late spring to early summer, often around May or early June, depending on the geographic location and climate. The blooming period can last for a couple of weeks. When in bloom, the fringe tree seems almost draped in white, as if covered in snow or lace, which contrasts beautifully with its dark green foliage during the blooming season.
The flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the female trees (if a male tree is nearby for cross-pollination) will develop small, olive-like fruits known as drupes. These drupes ripen to a dark, blue-black color in late summer to fall, and they are enjoyed by birds, which aids in seed dispersal. When immature, the fruits are green. As they ripen, they turn to a dark blue or purple-black hue, often with a waxy bloom. Fruits ripen in late summer to early fall, usually by September or October, depending on the local climate.
The fringe tree is considered to have a slow to moderate growth rate. On average, you might expect it to grow less than 12 inches (30 cm) per year. In well-maintained garden settings, a fringe tree might live for 30 to 50 years or even longer. It might take around 10 years for a fringe tree to start flowering significantly if grown from seed, though grafted or container-grown plants might flower sooner.
Due to their unique appearance and fragrance, fringe tree flowers make the plant a favorite for gardens, parks, and as a specimen tree in landscapes. They’re particularly valued for providing late spring interest after many spring bulbs and early blooming trees have finished. The flowering branches can be cut and used in floral arrangements, although they might not last as long as some other cut flowers.
When planting fringe trees with an interest in fruit production for wildlife or aesthetic reasons, it’s important to ensure you have both male and female trees, although many nurseries might not specify the gender. However, some cultivated varieties might be selected for their flowering without an emphasis on fruiting. If you grow both a male and female tree, flowers on the female tree produce small fruits resembling bluish-black olives that attract birds and wildlife.
If desired for aesthetic or space reasons, pruning can be done after flowering but before fruit set to control size or shape without losing the year’s fruit crop; however, this isn’t usually necessary as the tree maintains a manageable size naturally.
Types of Fringe Trees
Chionanthus virginicus
- Common Name: American Fringe Tree, White Fringe Tree, Old Man’s Beard
- Origin: Native to the eastern United States
Chionanthus retusus
- Common Name: Chinese Fringe Tree
- Origin: Native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan.
American fringe trees are generally hardy in USDA zones 3-9, while the Chinese fringe tree might be slightly less hardy but still suitable for many temperate regions. Both make excellent ornamental trees for gardens due to their floral display, but the choice between them might come down to specific aesthetic preferences, like leaf shape or flowering habit, or the desire for native species support with C. virginicus.
Cultivation of Fringe Trees
Location
- Sunlight: Fringe trees prefer full sun to part shade. They will flower best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but they can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Soil: They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil but are adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal, but they’re not overly particular about soil pH.
Planting
- Timing: Plant in early spring or fall when the tree is dormant. This helps reduce transplant shock.
- Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the ground level.
- Spacing: Since fringe trees can spread as wide as they are tall, give them ample space, typically 10 to 15 feet from other trees or structures.
Watering
- Water well after planting and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering during prolonged dry periods.
Pruning
- Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Method: Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Since they flower on old wood, heavy pruning can reduce flowering. Shape the tree as needed, but fringe trees often have a naturally pleasing form that requires minimal shaping.
Propagation
- Seeds: Can be grown from seeds, which should be cold stratified for several months before planting. However, this method is slow, and trees might take many years to flower.
- Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer can be rooted, though this can be challenging.
- Grafting: Often used for cultivars to ensure the propagated plants retain specific desired characteristics.