Scientific Name
Chionanthus retusus
Chinese fringe tree is a small to medium-sized ornamental known for its striking, long-lasting masses of white spring flowers — the “fringe” that gives the tree its name. In most urban settings, it typically grows no more than about 25 feet tall. However, the Colorado champion, located in a park in Pueblo, has reached an impressive 59 feet, with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
Until fairly recently, this species was thought to be too sensitive to our cold winters, so it has not been widely planted here. That perception may be changing. At Regis, six of these trees have now come through at least nine winters without any twig or branch damage. Now that they’re well established — firmly rooted and past the vulnerable transplant stage — we’re optimistic they will continue to perform reliably. As with many trees, cold hardiness improves with age and establishment.
The leaves are oblong, about twice as long as they are wide. Trees are generally male or female, though they sometimes produce a few flowers of the opposite sex. On female trees, this usually goes unnoticed since they reliably produce clusters of attractive, dark purple, ½ inch fruits (technically drupes, with a fleshy outer layer and a hard seed inside). Male trees may occasionally produce some fruit as well, but typically in much smaller quantities.
The bark adds its own interest, especially on younger trees, where it shows shades of gray to cinnamon and peels slightly at the edges before eventually becoming more ridged and furrowed with age. Fall color is modest — a serviceable yellow rather than a standout feature.
Chinese fringe tree belongs to the olive family, which also includes ash trees. That connection has raised some concern about potential vulnerability to the emerald ash borer. However, because this species evolved in Asia alongside the pest, it may have some natural resistance. The native American fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) is thought to be at greater risk, since it did not share that evolutionary history.