Chionanthus Chinese Fringetree

Chinese Fringetree

(Chinese Fringetree)
An elegant deciduous ornamental tree admired for its abundant, fragrant white fringe-like flowers that appear in late spring, often slightly earlier and more densely than the American species. With a clean, rounded canopy, glossy foliage, and attractive bark on mature trees, it provides refined structure and multi-season interest.

Size:



Width: 15–25 ft



Height: 15–25 ft



Zones: 5a–9b

Light: Full sun to partial shade
(Best flowering and form in full sun.)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; adaptable to loam and clay; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH

Features:



Flowers: Fragrant, creamy-white fringe-like blooms in late spring



Foliage: Glossy dark green leaves; yellow fall color



Fruit: Blue-black drupes on female plants (with a male nearby)



Bark: Gray-brown with subtle exfoliation on older specimens



Form: Upright to rounded, single- or multi-stemmed small tree with a symmetrical canopy



Attracts:
Pollinators; birds (on fruiting female plants)

Uses:
Specimen planting, lawns, streetscapes, Asian-inspired gardens, small shade tree

Notes:



Dioecious: Male and female plants are separate; fruiting requires both sexes.



Generally more tree-like and symmetrical than American fringetree.



Excellent resistance to pests and urban stress; low maintenance once established.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-25'

Width

15-25'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Clay, Loamy well-drained, Moist well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Clump

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No