Images of the Chinese Fringetree (Chionanthus retusus)

Chinese Fringetree

Chionanthus retusus

This small deciduous tree native to eastern Asia is planted as an ornamental in the United States for its beautiful flowers. Growing up to 20 m tall, it produces white feathery flowers in 3-12 cm long clusters. The deep purple fruits are eaten by many species of birds, both in Asia and North America.

Habitat:Planted as an ornamental.

Growth Habit:Deciduous shrub or tree, typically growing to about 4.5-7.5 m tall, but may grow up to 12 m tall.

Bloom Time:Spring.

Presence in US:DC MD NY

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).