Description
Native to: Eastern and central China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
Type: Deciduous shrub or small to medium-sized tree.
Size: Typically grows 15-20 feet tall and wide, but can reach 30-40 feet under optimal conditions.
Leaves: Lustrous, leathery, green leaves with an elliptic to ovate shape.
Flowers: Showy, fragrant, white, fringe-like clusters that bloom in spring. Male plants have showier flowers, while female plants produce fruit.
Fruit: Small, dark blue drupes that provide food for birds and mammals.
Bark: Thick and fissured on mature trees.
Growth rate: Slow-growing, typically 4-10 inches per year.
Cultivation
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Water:Tolerates moderate drought but benefits from occasional irrigation during extended dry periods.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Pests and diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Deer can be a problem.
Uses
Ornamental: Highly prized for its beautiful spring blooms. Can be used as a specimen tree, in mixed shrub borders, or as a multi-stemmed shrub.
Wildlife: Provides food for birds and mammals through its fruit.
Additional Notes
Chinese fringetree is often considered superior to its North American cousin, the American fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), due to its more graceful form and earlier leafing out.
It can show variation in growth habit depending on its geographic origin. Propagation can be done through seeds, cuttings, or layering.
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