Chionanthus retusus

Chinese Fringe tree

(Chinese Fringetree)
A refined deciduous ornamental tree prized for its abundant, fragrant, fringe-like white flowers in late spring. Compared to the American species, it’s typically more symmetrical and tree-form, with glossy foliage and attractive bark that adds year-round 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; yellow fall color



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



Bark: Gray-brown with subtle exfoliation on mature trees



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



Attracts:
Pollinators; birds (on fruiting female plants)

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

Notes:



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



Generally more uniform and tree-like than Chionanthus virginicus.



Low maintenance; good tolerance of urban conditions.

Plant type

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

Dark Green

Fall color

Yellow Green

Soil

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

Landscape use

Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Clumping

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No