Sweetheart Tree Chionanthus virginicus

Fringetree is a small deciduous tree in the Oleaceae (olive) family. It is native to the eastern U.S. Its genus name comes from the Greek chion meaning snow and Anthos meaning flower. It generally grows from 12 to 20 feet tall and wide, with a multi-stemmed rounded habit, though it can be trained into a single trunk. 

This plant grows best in full to part sun with the best foliage in partial shade and the best flowering in full sun.  Plant in average to rich well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. It can tolerate clay soil, however, and also tolerates some drought. They are best transplanted when young and rarely need pruning growing about 6 to 10 inches each year.

In late spring, fragrant flower clusters with creamy white fringe-like petals appear. The showy blue-black fruits, maturing in late summer, provides a food source for birds and wildlife.   A clear yellow color appears to provide some brightness to the fall landscape and the bark with its scaly dark brown ridges and red furrows brings winter interest.

In the nursery it may be difficult to determine if the plants are male or female unless they have flowers or fruits present.  While the male flowers are more showy fortunately both male and female plants make beautiful additions to any garden. 

Fringetree is a nice specimen plant in lawns and also works well as a flowering tree in a native garden.  Plant it in small groups along a woodland border or take advantage of the sweet fragranced blooms in a children's, or sensory garden

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  This plant has some susceptibility to scale and borers (particularly when grown in dry locations).  It is sometimes attacked by the Emerald Ash Borer.