WHITE FRINGETREE
CHIONANTHUS VIRGINICUS
Chionanthus virginicus
photo copyright Acorn Farms Inc
WHITE FRINGETREE
Chionanthus virginicus, commonly known as the White Fringetree or Grancy Graybeard, is an exceptional native member of the Oleaceae family that performs as either a large multi-stemmed shrub or a small landscape tree, reaching 15 to 18 feet in height with a broad, spreading canopy. Notably late to leaf out in spring, it makes up for its slow emergence in late May to early June with airy, lightly fragrant clouds of strap-like, pure white petals. The species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants; male specimens generally display showier, longer petals, while female plants produce attractive dark blue, olive-like drupes in late summer that serve as a critical food source for native songbirds and wildlife.
Adaptable across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, Chionanthus virginicus thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, moist, acidic soils, though it shows impressive tolerance for heavy clay, air pollution, and even proximity to Black Walnut trees (Juglone tolerance). Thanks to its clean summer foliage, reliable yellow fall color, and resistance to common leaf diseases, it serves as an outstanding native alternative to non-native spring-flowering trees in woodland borders, rain gardens, or as a standalone focal specimen.
Scroll table horizontally to view all stock & quantities →
| PLANT |
SIZE |
TYPE |
GALENA |
ADD'L |
DIG |
SOON |
| CHIONANTHUS VIRGINICUS | 5-6 ft | M-STEM | 0 | 0 |
| 0 |
Current inventory will be listed above this line. Contact Sales Rep for details. |
Click for key & info
KEY:
con = containers - available now
Galena = Above ground and available now
Additional = Remote location, call rep. Not in Shop.
Dig = Still in ground, call rep. Not in Shop (in orange).
Soon = Coming soon, call rep. Not in Shop.
(BBnPOT - formerly known as GRSTART - are B&B put into a container - they are available now)
