White Fringetree
Chionanthus virginicus
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © kbeza31979 (iNaturalist #113162752)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Oleaceae
- Genus:
- Chionanthus
- Species:
- Chionanthus virginicus
- USDA Symbol:
- CHVI3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 914 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Adita chionanthi, Ash Borer (Podosesia syringae), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Great Ash Sphinx (Sphinx chersis), lilac sphinx (Sphinx kalmiae), Rustic Sphinx (Manduca rustica), Waved Sphinx (Ceratomia undulosa), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers riverbanks and swampy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy; germination may be slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are sown in fall using a mechanical seeder
Establishment: Seeds are purchased from local people who collect within a 50 mile radius of the nursery. Fruits are borne in clusters, purple-black, each bearing a large single seed. Fruits mature from August to October. White fringe tree is found from New York to Missouri and south to Texas and Florida. It grows along limestone cliffs and bluffs, wooded riparian areas, and wet woods in southern Missouri. Seed sources are from south central Missouri.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)