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Chinese fringetree

How to identify Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus)

Chinese fringetree

Chinese fringetree can be distinguished by its white fringe-like blossoms which densely cover the tree in early spring. It features a rounded crown of glossy, dark green leaves and may reach a height of about 20 feet (6 meters) with an equivalent spread. Post-bloom, female plants produce blue-black fruits. Autumn transitions the foliage color to a golden hue. Its smooth gray bark, which adds winter interest, may flake off in older specimens, revealing a textured underlayer.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Chinese fringetree

1

Snow-white, highly fragrant flowers in clustered panicles (4 inches, 10 cm)

2

Distinctive dark blue berries (0.5 inches, 1.27 cm) on female trees

3

Opposite, leathery leaves (3-8 inches, 7.6-20.3 cm) with visible vein pattern

4

Robust trunk with decorative, exfoliating bark in shades of gray, brown, and white

5

Rounded crown of dark green leaves transitioning to golden hues in autumn

Chinese fringetreeChinese fringetreeChinese fringetreeChinese fringetreeChinese fringetree

Detailed Traits of Chinese fringetree

Leaf Features

The leaves of chinese fringetree are opposite, measuring 3-8 inches (7.6-20.3 cm) in length. They are leathery and lustrous with a bright green upper surface and a downy, whitish-green underside. Young leaves exhibit a serrate margin. The overall texture of the leaves is robust, and the vein pattern is prominently visible on both sides, aiding in identification.

Leaf Shape

Elliptic ,
Oblong

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Obtuse ,
Acute

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Flower Features

The flowers of chinese fringetree are snow-white and highly fragrant, arranged in showy, clustered panicles that measure around 4 inches (10 cm) at the ends of shoots. Each spring, these blooms create a fringe-like appearance. The flowers are small but numerous, forming dense clusters that enhance their visual impact. These distinctive floral characteristics, including their color, scent, and arrangement, make chinese fringetree's blossoms a standout feature in the spring landscape.

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Stem Features

The stem of chinese fringetree is robust and can vary significantly based on its growth form. In a single trunk form, the stem is thick and straight, measuring up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. It has a smooth to slightly furrowed texture with a grayish-brown color. Multi-trunked specimens exhibit multiple, slender stems branching from the base, each approximately 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) thick. The branching pattern is open and irregular, providing the plant with a distinctive architectural look.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of chinese fringetree are notable for their distinctive dark blue hue. These berries are each approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter, and they commonly appear on female trees. Upon maturity, the fruits exhibit a smooth, somewhat glossy texture, which may attract various wildlife. The color and size of these fruits are key characteristics for their identification, making them relatively easy to spot against the backdrop of the tree's foliage.

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Key Facts About Chinese fringetree

Attributes of Chinese fringetree
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Height
20 m
Spread
3 m to 6 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
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Scientific Classification of Chinese fringetree

Family
Olive
Icon allow
Species
Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus)
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Distribution Map of Chinese fringetree

Chinese fringetree is indigenous to the temperate regions of East Asia. Its growth range spans major parts of the continent which include both woodland and mountainous habitats. Due to its ornamental appeal, chinese fringetree has been cultivated beyond its native range, now thriving in various temperate zones globally where it adapts well to local climatic conditions. This expansion is a nod to its versatility and ease of care in non-native settings.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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