Fringe
Tree
Chionanthus
virginicus
(aka Grancy Graybeard, Old Man's Beard)
Native to the southeastern U.S.
Mature Height: 20 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Foliage: Deciduous, long slender dark green leaves which
turn to yellow in the fall
Flower/Fruit: Creamy white fringe like panicles appear
in April/May
Hardy to Zone 4
The
literal translation for Chionanthus is "snow flower"
and while the flowers of this tree are not as white as snow (they
tend to look creamy with a greenish tint to me), this is a tree
that can definitely stop traffic. Elizabeth Lawrence wrote that
the flowers of the tree looked like slaw to her and she may have
a point there but nevertheless, it is a beautiful small tree.
Native to the southeastern United States, the "grancy graybeard"
is usually found along stream banks and growing as understory
trees in forests. In the garden, it makes a dramatic focal point
and it can also be used in borders. The tree tends to grow horizontally
and branches often grow low to the ground (it can easily be described
as a large shrub). For best bloom, trees should receive at least
a half day of sun (afternoon shade would be beneficial).
They appreciate moist, rich soil that is well drained. These trees
can reach a height of 20 feet but the average height seems to
be 12-15 feet.
