This native tree delights in springtime with its show-stopping fluffy and fragrant blooms.
Indigenous to the eastern U.S., it grows from Canada to the Gulf Coast.
Other common names for it in the South are grancy graybeard and old man’s beard.
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Trees can be either male or female.
Nurseries don’t sell trees by sex, so you have to take your chances.
But either sex is well worth planting.
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As with most flowering trees, more sun means more flowers.
Dig the planting hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide.
The tree won’t withstand prolonged drought.
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Light
Fringe tree grows best in full sun or partial sun for the best show of flowers.
Plant it in a location where it will get direct sun for at least four hours or more.
Soil can be occasionally dry.
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Plant it in loamy or sandy soil that’s rich in organic matter.
It can tolerate clay as well.
During hot or dry periods, keep it well watered.
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Temperature and Humidity
The fringe tree is both heat and humidity tolerant.
However, it doesn’t tolerate salt spray and may not be a good choice for coastal areas.
Pruning
Pruning is seldom needed on this slow-growing tree.
These plants are bestgrown from seed, but it can be a long process.
To protect the shrub or growing tree, create a fence from hardware cloth.
This is similar to chicken wire but with smaller holes.
The base of the hardware cloth should be buried in soil or mulch.
This protection should be installed in late November and removed in mid-April.
Control scale with horticultural spray.
Emerald ash borers pose a more significant problem.
If an infestation is detected, insecticides may be needed, but some can harm pollinators.
Pesticide injections from a licensed applicator are the most effective treatment.
The fringe tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on different plants.
The male flowers tend to be showier than female flowers, but both are lovely.
When infull bloom, the delicate, airy-looking blossoms give the tree a cloud-like appearance.
As with most flowering trees, the more sun the better if you want to maximize blooming potential.
Young saplings can take a couple of years to grow to a noticeable size and begin to bloom.
To find it, you may have to look for a native plant nursery in your area.
The tree’s slow growth habit requires patience.
The fruits are favored by birds, such as blue jays, cardinals, mockingbirds, and wild turkeys.
These trees are not ideal for the coast, however, as they are not salt tolerant.
Grow in groups or as specimens in lawns or shrub or woodland borders.
They also may be used in native plant gardens or near streams or ponds.
Fringe trees willperfume your gardenwith a sweet, lilac-like fragrance.
These trees bloom from April to May with showy flowers.
Fringe trees are long-lasting perennial trees,living up to 50 yearsif provided with plenty of sunlight.
These adaptable trees grow in most soil types.
Gill J, Pogge F, and Bonner F.Chionanthus virginicus L.USDA Forest Service.
NC State Extension.Emerald Ash Borer.
