The Fringe Tree

Fringe Tree – Chionanthus virginicus – Alt Name: Old Man’s Beard

Fringe Tree – Chionanthus virginicus Temple, NH

The fringe tree is a favorite of mine. In zone 5 it tends to blossom very late May or early June. It depends on how close you are to zone 6 or zone 4. We used this as a backdrop for graduation pictures. It timed perfectly for us in Southern New Hampshire in a colder part of zone 5. Many said this would not grow in the cold mountain climate of Southern NH, but it thrived. My fringe trees came from a nursery in Thetford, VT. Brown’s Nursery to be exact. The Browns grow these at their nursery which is borderline zone 4/5. Very hardy. It’s always good to get plants that you’re unsure will grow in your area from a nursery that actually grows the plant. Ordering on-line or going to a local garden center that buys from sources outside your native climate is sometimes risky, but not always. It really depends on the plant. Don’t expect the fringe tree to have the same growth patterns in New England as it would down south or in the Pacific Northwest. It will grow slower and be more susceptible to winter kill. Don’t be afraid to prune this tree after it flowers or after it goes dormant. Shape it as much as you like. It is a prolific brancher. I think this is one of most gorgeous flowering and especially fragrant shrub/trees you can add to your New England Landscape. A pallet of 6×6 landscaping timbers was accidentally dumped on top of the shrubbier of the two fringe trees that I had planted to eventually anchor a fenced garden gate. I abandoned the matching fringe trees after the incident. Although it did not die, it was crushed. I transplanted the remaining ‘stumps’ and root system to another area of my gardens. It came back, but it would have taken years for it to catch up to its mate.

Chionanthus virginicus - Fringe Tree

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

• Habit: Deciduous
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Site Requirements:Sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well drained soil
• Texture: Medium to coarse
• Form: Spreading, open crown; variable shape between seedlings; often multi-stemmed
• Height: 12 to 20
• Width: 12 to 20′
• Leaf: 3 to 8″ opposite, simple leaf; yellowish green to brown fall color; not especially showy
• Flower/Fruit: Panicles of creamy white fragrant flowers suspended from branches in May or Early June; male flowers are more showy; dark blue fruit in fall
• Comments:
  • Native; large shrub to small tree
  • Adaptable to harsh climate
  • Fruit attracts birds
  • Tolerant to air pollution
  • Flowers at an early age
  • Nice specimen as a tree – not overwhelming to landscape
  • Works well as border specimen mixed with perennials

Tagged as: Garden Design, Nursery Stock, Shrubs, Trees