Blooming Now: Chionanthus virginicus (White Fringe Tree)

This is a pretty spectacular example of a mature Chionanthus virginicus (White Fringe Tree). But even the smaller specimens we have in the nursery are turning heads with their long, airy, white blooms.

One customer said as he walked by, "Well! My! Who's this character?"

That pretty much sums it up. Here are some details:

Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Height: 12 ft to 20 ft Spread: 12 ft to 20 ft
Form: upright oval to round
Type: deciduous tree
Annual Growth Rate: 6 to 12 inches
Flowers: White star-shaped flowers, then feather panicles Blooms in May and June

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Soil should be moist, well-drained and ideally acidic. The primary attraction of this small deciduous tree is the drooping clusters of fragrant, white blossoms and dramatic feathery panicles. Dark-blue, grape-like clusters of fruits are produced from female blossoms. It is one of the last trees in the spring to bear leaves.