fringe tree

plant, Chionanthus genus

Also known as: Chionanthus

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Also spelled:: fringtree

Related Topics:: Oleaceae; white fringe tree; Chinese fringe tree

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fringe tree, (genus Chionanthus), genus of about 150 species of flowering trees and shrubs in the oleander family (Oleaceae). They get their name from the long, fringy flowers that cover the trees in spring. The flowers hang in clusters of about the same length as the simple oval leaves and have four narrow petals. The dark blue fruits are oblong drupes.

At least two fringe trees are grown as ornamentals for their showy, fragrant, snow-white flowers. The white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) from southeastern North America, reaches about 10 metres (33 feet) in height. The Chinese fringe tree (C. retusus) seldom reaches more than 6 metres (20 feet).

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.