Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Blue

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Messy

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Screen, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Fringetree is a large shrub or small tree, growing 12 to 20 feet tall and wide, frequently with a multi-stemmed habit. Common name refers to the slightly fragrant, spring-blooming flowers which feature airy, drooping clusters of fringe-like, creamy white petals. Dioecious (separate male and female plants), with male flowers showier than female flowers. Fertilized perfect or female flowers give way to clusters of olive-like fruits which ripen to a dark, bluish black in late summer and are a food source for birds and wildlife. Wide, spear-shaped, soft green leaves turn yellow in autumn.

Grow in full sun to part shade in well drained soils. Prefers loamy soils with high organic content. Not drought tolerant and will will regular irrigation during the summer months.