Greenscape Gardens Green Blog

THE WHITE FRINGE TREE (Chionanthus)

One of the most awesome, underutilized plants in the St. Louis area is the white fringe tree. We have a specimen example of this plant which has been growing at the garden center now for close to 10 years. Patience is a virtue in growing the white fringe tree. The young plant is always puny, but it will grow. Some of the characteristics of this tree include: White flower panicles appear in early summer, just after late-developing leaves. These are followed by blue berries in grape-like clusters on female trees. Fall foliage turns a bright yellow. The flowers are rather long lasting in comparison to most flowering trees. It usually attains a height of 15-20 feet. This tree does well in wet, boggy areas. The white fringe tree is a plant of merit recipient.

For more information concerning this former Missouri Botantical Plant of Merit visit white fringe tree