Chionanthus retusus

Chinese Fringe Tree (Chionanthus retusus) is a small, deciduous tree. It has spectacular, showy white flowers in the spring, bright green foliage in the summer, yellow autumn foliage, and interesting winter bark. It is a four-season delight!

Chinese Fringe Tree is noted for its profuse blooms, which occur in terminal clusters of up to 4 inches long. The individual pure white flowers are mildly fragrant, have fringe-like petals (hence, the common name), and bloom mid to late spring. Blooms appears about two weeks before that of the American C. virginicus (White Fringe Tree). Leaves are ovate, and bright green on top with a downy underside, turning yellow in the fall. In late summer to early fall, clusters of small (1/2 inch long) fruits appear, which are a good food source for birds and wildlife. Exfoliating, cinnamon-gray coloured bark is most attractive in the winter when contrasted against a snowy background.

Chionanthus retusus can be grown as an elegant, single-stemmed, small tree. However, it is often seen in cultivation growing as a multi-stemmed shrub. Growing to a height of 15 feet (4.5 m) with a similar spread, this showy tree adapts well to urban settings, and is tolerant of air pollution. A low maintenance grower, it has a rounded, wide habit and seldom needs pruning. Preferring full sun, but can be grown in partial shade, Chinese Fringetree requires moist, well-drained soil. It is intolerant of prolonged dry periods. Grown primarily for its spectacular spring show, this lovely tree/shrub offers something for every season, and makes a lovely ornamental specimen.

Note: Trees are dioecious (separate male and female plants) and only fertilized female plants will produce fruit.