Chionanthus virginicus
Description: Commonly known as Old Man’s Beard, this small, deciduous tree typically reaches a height of up to 20 feet, with a similar spread. It has a slow growth rate and features an oval to spreading canopy.
Twig/Bark: The bark is smooth with a gray coloration.
Leaves: The simple leaves are 4 to 8 inches in length and 2 to 4 inches wide. They turn a vibrant yellow in the fall.
Flowers/Fruit: In spring, the tree produces striking, fragrant clusters of delicate, white flowers with strap-like petals. These drooping clusters are highly ornamental. Its fruit is an oval, approximately 1/2 inch long, and displays a bright blue hue, which is attractive to birds.
Habitat: Native to understory environments, the Fringe Tree thrives in partial shade and does not perform well in full sun.