Naturenotes With Rudy Mancke

Fringetrees (Chionanthus spp.) are small, deciduous ornamental trees. Two species are available, the native white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) and the Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus.) The botanical name translates as snow flower, an excellent description of the fluffy, white flowers that cover fringetrees in bloom. White fringetree, also known as Grancy graybeard or old man’s beard, is native throughout South Carolina and the southeastern United States. Chinese fringetree is native to eastern Asia. Both species are adapted to all areas of South Carolina.