

How to identify Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus)
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.
Snow-white, highly fragrant flowers in clustered panicles (4 inches, 10 cm)
Distinctive dark blue berries (0.5 inches, 1.27 cm) on female trees
Opposite, leathery leaves (3-8 inches, 7.6-20.3 cm) with visible vein pattern
Robust trunk with decorative, exfoliating bark in shades of gray, brown, and white
Rounded crown of dark green leaves transitioning to golden hues in autumn
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.
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.
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.
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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Scientific Classification of Chinese fringetree