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White Fringe Tree
White Fringe Tree
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Chionanthus virginicus
White Fringe Tree
The White Fringe Tree is a graceful, flowering native tree celebrated for its cascading clouds of fragrant white blooms in late spring. This bare root variety delivers stunning ornamental beauty in a compact size, perfect for both urban gardens and naturalized settings.
Often called “Old Man’s Beard,” the White Fringe Tree is beloved for its feathery flowers, glossy green foliage, and yellow fall color. With its slow, manageable growth and high wildlife value, this native standout is ideal for cottage gardens, borders, or small-space focal points.
White Fringe Tree (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Bare Root |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Chionanthus virginicus |
| 🏷️ Common Names | White Fringe Tree, Grancy Graybeard, Old Man’s Beard |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 12–20 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 12–15 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (6–12 inches per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 40–75+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 3–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best bloom in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Glossy green in summer; golden-yellow in fall |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Creamy white, fringe-like clusters |
| 👃 Fragrance | Light, sweet fragrance during bloom |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Bees, butterflies, birds, pollinators |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, spreading, multi-stemmed or tree-form |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | No – male and female trees needed for fruit |
| ↔️ Spacing | 10–15 ft for landscape spacing |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Specimen tree, woodland borders, pollinator gardens |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Provides early-season nectar for pollinators and native bees
🌿 Enhances biodiversity in native and naturalized landscapes
🐦 Female trees produce blue fruits for birds in late summer
🌳 Excellent for urban wildlife gardens and understory habitats
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌼 Stunning white blooms with fragrance and motion | 🌸 Requires both male and female trees for fruit production |
| 🐝 Highly beneficial to pollinators and native species | 📉 Slow-growing compared to other flowering trees |
| 🏡 Compact and perfect for small yards or gardens | ❄️ May need protection from late frost in colder zones |
| 🍃 Lovely foliage with golden fall color | 🌱 Young trees can be delicate during transplant |
| 🌞 Adapts to sun or partial shade environments | 🪵 Fruit drop can be messy if not managed in tight spaces |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
🛁 Soak roots for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system; keep crown at soil level
🌾 Add 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water weekly during first season; increase during dry spells
✂️ Prune lightly in late winter to shape and remove weak limbs
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with a native-safe, balanced formula
The White Fringe Tree (Bare Root) is a native ornamental gem that brings soft beauty, seasonal fragrance, and wildlife value to any garden. With its feathered white blooms, compact size, and low-maintenance needs, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to plant something truly special.
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