63. FRINGE TREE
Chionanthus virginicus

Fringe tree in Spring, Westmoor Arboretum.

This Fringe Tree was planted at the Westmoor Arboretum by Park Horticulturist Jane Gottier in 2015.  Its native range is quite a bit of the United States with a distinct nod to central and southern states.  It is native to southern New Jersey, and the tree joins a growing list of species being "tested" at the Arboretum as our environment gets warmer.

SPRING, EMERGING FLOWERS

Emerging flowers of the Westmoor Fringe Tree.

By mid-April, the leaves are established and the tree begins putting out its annual flowers.  Fringe Tree gets its name from the showy floral display in Spring.

THE FRINGE IN "FRINGE TREE"

Showy flowers in Spring give the Fringe Tree its name.

Quite showy in Spring, and easy to see how this native U.S. species got its name.

SUMMER

Summer view of Chiananthos virginicus.

Like many small trees and large shrubs (botanically there is scant difference) the decision to grow it as either a tree or shrub is up to its caretakers.  In this case, Westmoor is not pruning back "leaders" - allowing it to grow naturally as a multi-stemmed shrub.  To 25 ft. typically.  This one is young (planted 2015).

WINTER

Shrub like habit of Fringe Tree at Westmoor Arboretum.

In Winter it is easy to see the multiple stems coming off the central base of the Fringe Tree.