Chinese fringetree is a beautiful multi-stemmed shrub to small tree, very similar in appearance to our native species (Chionanthus virginicus) with exfoliating, gray-brown bark. In mid-spring, erect clusters of fragrant, white flowers are quite showy. Female plants produce dark purple fruits in late summer. The dark green, leathery leaves turn a soft yellow in fall.
- Family (English) Olive
- Family (botanic) Oleaceae
- Planting site Residential and parks, Under utility lines
- Tree or plant type Tree, Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet), Small tree (15-25 feet)
- Mature height 15-25 feet
- Mature width 15-25 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Sensitive
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites
- Season of interest late spring, early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Round
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well No
- Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries
- Wildlife Birds, Small mammals
- Has cultivars Yes
