May 2023

Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), also commonly called Grancy Greybeard and Old Man’s Beard, is one of the most beautiful and under-used, small flowering trees. This Ozark region native is breathtaking in full bloom in May when clouds of small silky-white flowers are held in drooping clusters at the ends of branches. The flowers are composed of narrow, ribbon-like petals that are snowy white. The fringetree’s botanical name means “snow flower.”

The flowers are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Pollinators are required to move the pollen from one tree to another, with native bees, small beetles, and a variety of butterflies fulfilling this task. If pollinated, the female flowers ripen into clusters of dark blue-black plum-like fruit that are a favorite food of small mammals and many birds. Fringetrees also are hosts to eight species of butterfly caterpillars.

This small deciduous tree grows relatively slowly to a mature height of 10 to 20 feet in our home landscapes and occasionally up to 35 feet. Fringetrees have a rounded and somewhat irregular habit and can be pruned to one to three trunks to make an elegant specimen tree.

Fringetrees are adaptable and easy to grow in acidic soils in sun or part shade, are tolerant of pollution, and even tolerate the shade of Black Walnut trees. Enliven your spring and fall gardens with a beautiful Fringetree, or group them in a small grove to ensure you can enjoy both flowers and fruit.

When you visit us at BGO, you will find this small tree in our Native Garden, close to the sidewalk. It is nearing full bloom, so come visit soon.

Berni Kurz

Director of Horticulture

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks