When does American fringetree bloom?

American fringetree typically flowers in May and June, producing clusters of fragrant, fringe-like white blooms on the branch tips.

What pollinators visit American fringetree flowers?

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, which visit for nectar and pollen during the spring bloom period.

How much light does American fringetree need?

It grows best in part sun to part shade, tolerating a range from full sun to part shade depending on soil moisture and heat exposure.

How much water does American fringetree require?

It prefers medium soil moisture but can handle wetter sites such as stream banks as well as drier conditions once it is established.

How large does American fringetree get?

It usually grows as a small tree or large shrub, often reaching a rounded form with a moderate spread at maturity.

Is American Fringetree toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Fringetree as toxic to livestock.

Is American Fringetree HOA-friendly?

American Fringetree is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

American Fringetree

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chionanthus virginicus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Chionanthus virginicus, or American fringetree, is a small deciduous tree with fragrant white flowers in May and June. It grows well in woodland edges and along streambanks with medium moisture and part sun.

Toxicity unknown

American Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Fringetree as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

180"–360" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Southern Coastal Plain

American fringetree is a small native tree prized for its spectacular display of fragrant, white fringe-like flowers in late spring. It has a naturally rounded, well-behaved shape and attractive dark green leaves that turn yellow in fall.

Growing American Fringetree

Grow American Fringetree in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 180 to 360 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Fringetree is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during its May-June bloom period. Female trees produce dark blue berries that provide food for birds.

Common questions

When does American fringetree bloom?: American fringetree typically flowers in May and June, producing clusters of fragrant, fringe-like white blooms on the branch tips.
What pollinators visit American fringetree flowers?: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, which visit for nectar and pollen during the spring bloom period.
How much light does American fringetree need?: It grows best in part sun to part shade, tolerating a range from full sun to part shade depending on soil moisture and heat exposure.
How much water does American fringetree require?: It prefers medium soil moisture but can handle wetter sites such as stream banks as well as drier conditions once it is established.
How large does American fringetree get?: It usually grows as a small tree or large shrub, often reaching a rounded form with a moderate spread at maturity.
Is American Fringetree toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Fringetree as toxic to livestock.
Is American Fringetree HOA-friendly?: American Fringetree is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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