One of our staff members reminisces about a white fringe tree in a corner of her grandparents’ garden. In late spring, the tree was in full bloom, dripping with creamy-white, fringe-like flowers. Their spicy, ethereal fragrance gently filled the backyard and wafted through open windows at night. Further along in the season, the large, glossy green leaves provided welcome shade through the hot summer months. The pleasure of encountering this tree is to be had at Avant, and we can see why it would create a lasting impression.
The deciduous fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), also known as Grancy Graybeard or Old Man’s Beard, is native to the southeastern states, where it is often found along streams and rivers. It has successfully made its way to every state in the lower 48, hardy in zones 4 through 9. The versatility of this small, multi-stemmed tree makes it one that can find a home in almost any garden. Its prolific, fringed blooms in late spring and exotic foliage throughout the summer make it a nice focal point in a smaller garden. For the same reasons, it won’t get lost in a larger one. It does well in filtered shade under large trees, but puts on its best flowering show in full sun. The male tree produces showier, longer petals; the female produces bird-attracting fruit in mid summer that turns dark blue in fall. Plant your fringe tree in fertile, well-drained soil and make sure it does not get too dry. It will grow to 15-20’, but slowly; six inches a year is what you can expect in optimal conditions.
Come fall, the leaves of the fringe tree turn a pleasing, luminous yellow. Enjoy them while they’re there; they will drop all at once when they’ve decided the temperature has chilled sufficiently. In winter, the grey-ridged bark and graceful branches offer nice visual interest.
The fringe tree is difficult to propagate with cuttings. If you’ve spotted one in a nursery, chances are good it was raised from seed, requiring two years to germinate. For this reason, the fringe tree is not prolifically or readily available. There are several lush specimens at Avant, ready to find permanent homes.
Yvette McCormack, Nursery Assistant
