Family: Oleaceae

Comprising about 100 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs native to tropical and subtropical parts of eastern Asia and temperate parts of the eastern states of the United States, this genus occurs in a variety of habitats, from forest and woodland to open scrub and beside streams. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals.

Species

C. retusus, fringe tree, zone 6, from China, grows to 3 m (10 ft), with blunt, elliptical leaves, up to 10 cm (4 in), topped with a canopy of small, white flowers in summer.

C. virginicus, old man's beard or white fringe tree, zone 4, from America, produces pendulous sprays of white flowers among its leaves, which are larger than on C. retusus. It grows to around 3 m (10 it).

Cultivation

Chionanthus prefers a cool to cold climate and moist, fertile soil. It is best sheltered from very strong wind, but needs full sun exposure. Propagate by seed, layering, or grafting and budding.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.