Fringe tree, Old Man's Beard, Grancy greybeard
Chionanthus virginicus
Family: Oleaceae
What it is like
A tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It can be 9-10 m tall. The bark is grey and smooth. It becomes furrowed with age. The leaves are oval and narrow. They are 20 cm long by 10 mm wide. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. They are 3 cm long and white. The flowers are in long drooping sprays. The fruit are egg shaped and deep blue. They are 2 cm long and have a bloom. They have a large stone.
The bark is used in medicine. There are about 80-100 Chionanthus species (including Linociera). They are tropical or subtropical.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to the eastern United States. It grows naturally in rich moist soil. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, Slovenia, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are pickled like olives.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. It can also be grown from cuttings or by layering.
They are slow growing. They can take 10 years to flower.
Its other names
Local names
Virginski sneženec