SafePlants

White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that the bark of the root has a botanical use. While the text states that there are "none known" hazards, it is important to research and understand the specific properties of the plant to ensure safety, particularly if pets or children might ingest it.

Common Names

• White Fringetree
• Fringe Tree
• Snowflower Tree
• Flowering Ash
• Old Man's Beard
• Grandfather Graybeard
• Grancy Graybeard

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chionanthus virginicus L.
• Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
• Genus: Chionanthus
• Synonym: C. pubescens

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the savannas and lowlands of the southeastern United States.
• Ranges from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Oklahoma and Texas.
• Predominantly found in the eastern United States from Tennessee.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous shrub or small tree with a spreading, rounded habit.
• Typically grows 12-20 feet tall, but can reach 35 feet in the wild.
• Often wider than it is tall with a short trunk that usually branches near the ground.
• Has large, 4-to 8-inch-long loose clusters of lightly fragrant white flowers.
• Bark is ridged and furrowed in maturity.

Ecological Role

• Can be attacked by emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Serves as a larval host (as noted in the Journal of Economic Entomology).
• Emerald ash borer attacks have been observed on white fringetrees.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Old Man's Beard" refers to the fringe-like flowers that bloom in early spring.
• It's described as a "drive-by shooting" plant because its beauty can catch your eye unexpectedly.
• The plant is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Monrovia: Provides details and information about Monrovia plants.