Monday Plant Feature

Featured Plant:

Name: Chionanthus virginicus (fringtree)

1. Family: Oleaceae
2. Plant type: Woody shrub
3. Exposure: Full sun or filtered shade. Makes a great understory plant.
4. Branching pattern: Opposite
5. Habit: Loose, open habit that is somewhat varied from plant to plant. 12 to 25 ft.
6. Foliage: Medium to dark green, simple, elliptical leaves. Deciduous.
7. Flowers: White, drooping flowers with 4-5 petals that look like silky ribbons.
8. Fruit: Clusters of bluish-black 1/2 inch drupes; ripen in early autumn.
9. Similar species: Chionanthus retusus (Chinese fringetree)
10. Other: Clonal propagation of this Southeastern native is difficult, so expect seedlings to vary.