Promising Plants Profiles

Chionanthus virginicus  

Genus: Chionanthus
Specific Epithet: virginicus
Common Name: fringe tree
Family: Oleaceae (olive)

Flower color: white/cream
Form: shrub or tree
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Height: 30' but often smaller
Width: 10-15'
Soil: well-drained soil
Sun: full sun

Uses: medicinal, ornamental

 

Chionanthus virginicus, fringe tree
Chionanthus virginicus, fringe tree 

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This is one of the prettiest trees in the world. There are about 120 species of
Chionanthus, but only two hardy ones; the best known is this eastern North
American species. It produces masses of delicate cream-colored, narrow-petalled
flowers in late spring and has nice yellow fall color. It is a small tree,
reaching only 30 feet or less in height. Like yellow gentian, it is considered a
bitter tonic herb, acting mainly on the liver and gall bladder. Sadly, it is slow
growing in areas with cool summers, like the United Kingdom, but is a must for
any herb collection.
– Deni Bown, Promising Plants Presentation, 2003

Chionanthus virginicus message board* (members only)

 

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Text and images © 2004 The Herb Society of America


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