A mature Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Flowering tree · Mass planting · Small tree · Specimen · Lawn · Small space · Childrens · Native

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Fringe Tree

Chionanthus virginicus · Tree

Fringe Tree is a slow-growing tree, hardy in USDA zones 3-9, that matures to about 12–20 ft × 12–20 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect cream and white blooms in spring and summer. It attracts pollinators, small mammals and songbirds, stands up well to drought and fire and pollution.

USDA zones: 3-9
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Medium
Mature size: 12–20 ft × 12–20 ft
Growth rate: Slow
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet
Bloom color: Cream, White
Bloom season: Spring, Summer
Attracts: Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Drought, Fire, Pollution
Native to: Eastern United States

Will it survive your winters?

We score Fringe Tree’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 3 · Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9