Many of you may be familiar with our native fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus, often called Grancy graybeard, granddaddy graybeard or old man’s beard. It is a wonderful small tree that grows throughout the state but is certainly not a common site. It begins blooming in late March with airy, off-white flowers.
Dark green glossy leaves of Chinese fringetree.
Paul Thompson, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Chinese fringetree has huge billowing clusters of white flowers.
Paul Thompson, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Mature Chinese fringetree in full bloom.
Paul Thompson, ©2024, Clemson Extension
There is a related tree, Chinese fringetree, Chionanthus retusus, that has more refined qualities. The major differences are that it has a spreading habit (looking somewhat like a miniature live oak tree), smaller, darker green leaves, and pure white flowers. It also flowers a little later in April, after the leaves have emerged. This gives the flowers a dark green background, where they show off better. The tree grows 15 to 20 feet tall with a slightly greater spread. The flowers occur in clusters at the ends of branches, and the petals are long and strap-like. This is quite a showy tree in bloom, and its branching architecture provides interest throughout the year. Chinese fringetree is best grown in full sun for maximum flower production.
Comparison of native fringetree (left) and Chinese fringetree (right).
Paul Thompson, ©2024, Clemson Extension
The cultivar ‘Tokyo Tower’ is a more upright form with an upright branching. Many nursery growers train this cultivar as a standard (single trunk) for a narrow columnar form that is quite stunning. For more information, see HGIC 1027, Fringetree.
Tokyo tower.
Paul Thompson, ©2024, Clemson Extension
