Pygmy fringetree
Chionanthus pygmaeus
Last reviewed: October 2026
Pygmy fringetree (Chionanthus pygmaeus) is a perennial shrub native to FL. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Pygmy fringetree (Chionanthus pygmaeus) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–96" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees
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 460 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
A small rounded deciduous shrub with narrow leathery leaves and airy clusters of fringe-like white flowers in early spring, before or as the leaves emerge. Dark blue-black fruit follows on female plants.
Growing Pygmy fringetree
Grow Pygmy fringetree in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Fragrant spring flowers attract bees, and the fruit is eaten by birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pygmy fringetree need?
- Pygmy fringetree grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Pygmy fringetree bloom?
- Pygmy fringetree blooms in March and April.
- Where is Pygmy fringetree native?
- Pygmy fringetree (Chionanthus pygmaeus) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Pygmy fringetree attract?
- Pygmy fringetree draws bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Pygmy fringetree? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.