SafePlants

Chionanthus pygmaeus: Pygmy Fringetree

Chionanthus pygmaeus, also known by the common name pygmy fringetree, is a rare flowering plant belonging to the olive family (Oleaceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chionanthus pygmaeus Small
• Common Name: Pygmy Fringetree
• Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
• Note: The name Chionanthus pygmaeus Small is frequently found in literature.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the Pygmy Fringetree is a shrub or small tree. Its small size might make it easily accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The Pygmy Fringetree can be shrub-like and is often less than 1 meter tall. Its small size might make it easily accessible to children.

Distribution and Habitat

• This species is endemic to Florida, specifically found in dry hammocks, pine forests, scrub, and turkey oak sandhills on the Lake Wales Ridge.
• It thrives in sandy soils.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Chionanthus pygmaeus is a shrub or small tree, typically less than 1 meter (3 feet) tall, but can reach up to 1.2 to 3.6 meters (4 to 12 feet) under certain conditions.
• Stems are often buried in sand.
• Twigs are gray and have conspicuous leaf scars.
• Leaves are elliptic and leathery, measuring 2 to 4 inches in length.
• Blooms are white or greenish-white and drooping.

Ecological Role

• The Pygmy Fringetree is endangered due to loss of habitat.

Quirky Facts

• The Pygmy Fringetree is celebrated at the Pygmy Fringe Tree Wildflower Festival in Florida.

Further Information

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) - Recovery Plan for the Pygmy Fringe-tree (FWS 1996)
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life
• EBSCOhost