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Height: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m) 8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m) 10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
Spacing: 8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Danger: N/A
Bloom Color: White/Near White
Bloom Time: Late Winter/Early Spring
Foliage: Deciduous
Other details: Flowers are fragrant This plant may be considered a protected species; check before digging or gathering seeds
Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information: Non-patented
Propagation Methods: From softwood cuttings From semi-hardwood cuttings From hardwood cuttings By air layering
On Sep 3, 2003, Stribling from Thomasville, GA wrote:
I have a "Pygmy Fringetree" on my gulf property in northcentral Florida (U.S.) It was there when we purchased lot eight years ago and has survived drought and salt water which occasionally washes over it when the storms surge.
It was in full, beautiful, fluffy white bloom this spring. I fertilized it and it has started to really take off. It was scruffy looking and we almost cut it down - I am very glad to know what it is.
On Aug 18, 2003, suncatcheracres from Old Town, FL wrote:
Rufino Osorio's excellent book A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants states that although scrub plants are generally very difficult to grow in an average garden, this little plant adapts quite well to a garden as long as it is given well-drained soil and some bright light.
I have grown C. virginicus, (aka "White Fringe Tree", or "Grancy Greybeard" as my mother called it) in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and a mature specimen is a spectacular sight in full bloom. It prefers a much wetter site than the "Pygmy Fringetree" and grows to a much larger size, although still a small yard tree. So if you can't grow one, try the other. Both are hard to find and are quite expensive to buy, but are worth it.
On Aug 17, 2003, xyris from Sebring, FL (Zone 9b) wrote:
I did not plant my specimens of Chionanthus pygmaeus, they were already growing natively in a vacant lot next to my house - and I bought the lot! I have cleared out competing vegetation and vines from around the plants, and they put on a dazzling display of white fringe in late March.
The leaves are a glossy dark green, smaller and more leathery than C. virginicus. I do not know if C. pygmaeus is available commercially, but it would make a good shrub for partially shaded central Florida (U.S.) dry, sandy sites.
On Jan 9, 2003, ButterflyGardnr from Orlando, FL (Zone 9b) wrote:
This large shrub/small tree produces beautiful, fragrant white clusters of flowers in the spring. It makes a great specimen plant. It is an endangered endemic that grows only in the Florida scrub. It requires VERY well-drained soil and full sun in order to thrive. Chionanthus virginicus ("Fringe Tree") is much more common in cultivation and prefers more moisture, adapting well to the landscape. Both species produce small purplish/black fruits that are relished by birds and other wildlife.
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
3 members have or want this plant for trade.
