PLANT SPOTLIGHT: WHITE FRINGETREE

Chionanthus virginicus

We are starting 2017 off with the spotlight on a tree we think ornamental lovers should take notice of. Introducing the White Fringetree! Also known as Old Man’s Beard and hailing from the southeastern US, this is a member of the olive family.

While not native to New England, it comes with a lot of perks. Not only is it insanely beautiful when in flower (in early summer) but they are also fragrant and hardy.

No major diseases or pests are enemies of this small tree. While it can come down with scale or borers, it is easily treated.

An adaptable woody plant, it does not mind either partial shade or full sun. However, you might want to give it a little more space than your average large shrub as it tends to be wider than it is tall. It’s also a fine specimen in urban conditions as it is very tolerant of air pollution. It does not require much pruning and will grow up to 20′ maximum in a manmade landscape.