White fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) kee-oh-NAN-thuss ver-JIN-ih-kus Genus:  Chionanthus

This North American native is unrivaled in beauty for its pendulous and diaphanous clusters of fragrant white blossoms, which appear in May or June. The individual blossoms are made up of four petals that dangle from threadlike stems in great silken clusters. The leaves are late to emerge in the spring, and this species flowers before leafing out. Female specimens produce blue-black fruits in autumn.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Chionanthus makes a sublime specimen in the landscape. There is great variability in the individual forms; some are wide and spreading, others form single-stemmed, small trees. 

Care: 

Grow in fertile, well drained soil in full sun.

Propagation: 

Sow seed in a cold frame in fall; germination can take 18 months.

Problems: 

Usually trouble-free.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color White Uses Specimen Plant/Focal Point Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs