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white fringetree
Scientific Name: Chionanthus virginicus
Family: Oleaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: OH (fringe-tree)
White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
The White Fringetree, scientifically known as Chionanthus virginicus, is a captivating deciduous shrub or small tree admired for its delicate, fringe-like flowers. It's a native of North America, celebrated for its beauty and adaptability.
Common Names
- White Fringetree
- Fringe Tree
- Snowflower Tree
- Flowering Ash
- Old Man's Beard
- Grancy Graybeard
- Grandsie Graybeard
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Oleaceae (Olive family)
- Genus: Chionanthus L. (Fringetree)
- Species: Chionanthus virginicus L. (Fringetree, White Fringetree)
- Synonyms: C. pubescens
- Variety: Chionanthus virginicus var. maritimus
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the savannas and lowlands of the southeastern and south-central United States.
- Grows wild from New Jersey south to Florida, and west to Oklahoma and Texas.
- Its most northern population is found in southern New Jersey.
Ecological Role
- Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been found to attack white fringetree, potentially threatening this native US tree species.
- Don Cipollini's research indicates white fringetree can serve as a larval host for the emerald ash borer.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub or small tree, often wider than it is tall.
- Can vary from 12 to 20 feet in height.
- Exhibits variable forms, ranging from a loose, open multi-trunked large shrub to a denser tree.
- Features lustrous green leaves.
- Characterized by spreading, terminal, drooping clusters (4-6 inches long) of fringe-like, creamy white petals.
- Flowers are numerous, delicate, fragrant, and white-to-greenish-white.
- Produces small blue fruits.
Quirky Facts
- The White Fringetree gets its common name "Old Man's Beard" (and similar variations) from the opulent display of white flowers that resemble a beard.
- Some believe the White Fringetree should replace the Flowering Dogwood as the quintessential "American Flowering" tree.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The white fringetree is a host plant for the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis).
Further Information
- Monrovia provides details and information on their White Fringe Tree and best practices for plant performance.
- Research by Don Cipollini, Wright State biology professor, is published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension offers programs and employment related to plants.