Chinese fringe tree, Tassels
Chionanthus retusus

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 3-10 m high. The tree is broadly spreading. The bark is grey-brown and corky. It is deeply furrowed. The leaves are oval and 10 cm long by 5 cm wide. They have either a blunt point are an indent. There can be fine teeth. They are glossy green above and paler underneath. The male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are creamy white with narrow petals. They are about 2 cm long. They are in upright panicles at the end of the shoots. The fruit is an egg shaped berry. It is 1.5 cm long and deep blue.

There are 100-120 Chionanthus species. There are 24 Chionanthus species in tropical America.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to China and Japan. It grows in woods and on cliffs in sunny, moist places. It will grow in alkaline soils. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Arboretum Tasmania. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The young leaves are used for tea. It is sweet smelling.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

It can be grafted. It can be grown from fresh seed.

Its other names

Local names

Liusu

Synonyms

Chionanthus chinensis Maxim.; and others