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Oleaceae
Chinese Fringe Tree
Chionanthus retusus
Purity and new beginnings.
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Genus
- Chionanthus
- Native to
- China, Korea, Japan
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- tree
- Height
- 15-25 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- moist, well-drained, acidic soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 5-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The genus name Chionanthus means 'snow flower' in Greek, perfectly describing the white fringe-like blooms.
- Chinese fringe tree is a member of the olive family, and its dark blue fruits resemble small olives.
- The bark of the Chinese fringe tree has a distinctive exfoliating texture, adding winter ornamental interest.
- It is more resistant to the emerald ash borer than its American relative, making it a valuable replacement tree.
- In China, the oil-rich seeds were traditionally pressed to make lamp oil and a crude form of soap.
Color meanings
0
innocence
1
grace