Are you looking for the perfect late spring and early summer wispy, white, fragrant flowering tree? If so, the fringe tree is what you are looking for! Not only do these trees create a beautiful addition to any yard, they can also make it look like it snowed when their petals fall. These trees don’t grow as tall as some other flowering trees, making them perfect for planting close to your patio, in small yards, under power lines, or as a shrub border. Our team at Five Star Tree Services has come up with some tips on how to care for these delightful trees and the different varieties they come in.
Fringe Tree Appearance
The average height of a fringe tree is about 10-20 feet tall. This makes it easy for it to fit into any garden nicely. The most prominent thing about this beautiful tree is its white fragrant flowers which bloom in May and early June. These flowers are grouped together in thin, fleecy hanging bands that are 6-8 inches long. These flowers appear all over the tree just before all the leaves start to sprout. After the flowers have fallen, you can enjoy the oval-shaped, dark green leaves for the summer and then the delightful yellow leaves during the fall.
The female trees can produce a blackish-blue fruit after the flowers fall, this is a great way to attract your local birds.
The bark on the tree is scaly and has red furrows with dark brown ridges. It does best in full sun with well drained but moist soil. It can also tolerate drought and is good with air pollution. With its strong branches but delicate flowers, in order to maximize your enjoyment of the flowers, make sure to plant this tree somewhere that is sheltered from the wind.
The Facts
Fringe trees are actually related to the olive family and are native to easters North America. They naturally grow on streambanks and hillsides in moist woods. Due to the tassel-like flowers, another name for this tree is Old Man’s Beard.
As a remedy for gallbladder inflammation, previously, the bark from the fringe tree has been used in herbal medicine. It has also historically been used as a way to treat wounds.
Varieties of Popular Fringe Trees
There are 2 popular fringe trees:
Chionanthus Retusus- this is a Chinese fringe tree. It is tall with lush branches and beautiful leaves. Other varieties under this are:
-Pizazz
-Carolina Moonlight
-Rubrum
-Emerald Snow
-Burgundy
-Snowdance
Chionanthus Virginicus- this is the native easters North American fringe tree we have been focusing on.
Care Instructions
Luckily, these trees are easy to care for. To have a happy tree and many blooms, follow these tree care tips.
Growth Zones- 3-9
Plant- in moist soil that has good drainage.
Height- 12-20 feet when mature. The growth rate is about 6-10 inches a year.
Sun Exposure- full sun
Flowers- May to early June. The blossoms usually last about 2 weeks.
Prune- Do not prune during dormant times. Once the tree is older, it won’t require much pruning. Simply cut out damaged, weak, or dead branches.
Deer Resistance- deer rarely damage these trees.
Threats
With this easy to care for tree, you don’t have to worry about much. However, there are a few pests to look out for.
In order to fight off pests like spider mites and scales, proper planting, watering, and fertilizing will keep it healthy and pest free.
If a tree gets stressed, borers will take this opportunity to tunnel inside the tree and eat the bark. To keep these trees safe, avoid injuring them. These trees can also act as a secondary host for the emerald ash borer. Avoid planting a fringe tree in known areas where these invasive insects like to live.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help
If you have been looking for the perfect flowering tree to plant in your yard, the fringe tree might be the best one for you! If you have any questions about what trees are best for your property, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355! Here at Five Star Tree Services, we can offer different options and also offer you our Richmond Hill Tree Planting Services!