NATIVE GRANCEY GREY BEARD/FRINGE TREE

Grancy Greybeard / Fringe Tree

(Chionanthus virginicus)

The Grancy Greybeard, also called Native Fringe Tree or Old Man’s Beard, is a beautiful small native tree prized for its delicate, cloud-like white flowers. In spring, the tree becomes covered with soft, fringe-like blossoms that lightly fragrance the air and create a stunning ornamental display for about two weeks.

This slow-growing native tree develops an upright oval to rounded shape, making it a perfect choice for smaller landscapes, naturalized areas, or planting under power lines where large shade trees won’t fit. In fall, the foliage turns a soft yellow, adding seasonal interest.

Female trees produce small blue fruits that are highly attractive to birds and wildlife, making this a wonderful addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes. Fringe trees are also notoriously resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance landscape choice.

Plant Details

• 🌱 USDA Growing Zones: 3–9

• ☀️ Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

• 📏 Mature Height: 12–20 ft

• ↔️ Mature Width: 10–15 ft

• 🌸 Bloom Time: Mid to Late Spring

• 🌿 Growth Rate: Slow

• 🍂 Fall Color: Yellow

• 💧 Water Needs: Moderate; moderate drought tolerance once established

• 🐝 Wildlife Value: Fruits attract birds

• 🌳 Landscape Use: Specimen tree, native gardens, woodland edges, under power lines

• 🪴 Maintenance: Low; generally pest and disease resistant

Interesting Facts

• Often one of the last trees to leaf out in spring.

• Historically, parts of the plant were used in traditional medicine for liver and gallbladder ailments.

• Serves as a host plant for the Rustic Sphinx moth.

• Commonly known as Grancy Greybeard or Old Man’s Beard due to its unique flower clusters.

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