Chionanthus virginicus (Native)

Common Name
Fringetree
Old man's beard
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
30.0
Width (ft)
12.0 - 20.0
Growth Rate
Slow
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Photographer: kschauer
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: pthiringer
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Habitat

In a wide range of mesic to dry upland forests, woodlands, and barrens; often numerous on mafic outcrops, although generally not at all particular about rock or soil chemistry; less characteristic of but also widespread in small-stream alluvial forests and swamps, seepage swamps, tidal swamps, depression swamps, wet flatwoods, and other wetlands. Frequent to common throughout Virginia

Wildlife value

Fringe tree is a host plant to moths of the sphinx moth family. Cuckoo and other native bees are essential pollinators. Berries are attractive to birds such as cardinals, bluebirds, thrashers, mockingbirds, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. Twigs and foliage are browsed by many animals, including deer

High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife

Flower Color
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Spring
Bloom Month
April
May
Fall Color
Gold/Yellow
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Average
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles

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