WOW! Chinese Fringetree
Big “Wow” on 27th Street, Chinese Fringetrees
If you haven’t drive down the 27th Street Corridor from Broadway to Avenue O, go there soon and take a look. There were some trees planted last year that have awakened from their winter slumber and are putting on a show right now.
These beauties are Chinese fringetrees (Chionanthus retusus), a native of eastern Asia. The blossoms are the source of the botanical name, which comes from Greek and means “snow flower”. When you see them you will know why. See the slideshow below of Chinese Fringetrees planted in 2010 in the East End Historic District’s NeighborWoods project.
These low-maintenance trees may reach 15 to 25 feet tall at maturity. They can flourish in a variety of well-drained soils with medium moisture but do not enjoy prolonged drought. Full sun provides best flowering, although they will accept part shade. Fringetrees are tolerant of air pollution and adapt well to urban settings.
The naturally strong branch structure of the fringetree makes pruning generally unnecessary, but pruning while young can provide a single stem tree form if preferred. When left to grow naturally the tree will develop a rounded, spreading crown. Growth rate is relatively slow, usually only 6 to 10 inches per year
The most striking feature of the fringetree is the spring blooming period, when profuse clusters of fragrant white flowers with fringe-like petals appear at the ends of branches. In full bloom the trees are completely covered with flowers which are contrasted by lustrous, leathery leaves. Plants are male or female and female trees produce attractive fruit if male plants are nearby. Clusters of olive-like fruits (each to 1/2” long) ripen late summer to fall, to a dark bluish black and are a good food source for birds and wildlife.
Chinese fringetrees are rarely susceptible to serious insect and disease problems if poor drainage and stress are prevented. Powdery mildew and leaf spots can occasionally appear, as can mites, scales and borers. Gardeners should be on the lookout for those. The tree is not noted to be salt tolerant so beachside plantings are not recommended.
Chinese fringetree an excellent choice for a tree that will add interest to a landscape almost all year: glossy leaves most of the year, showy flowers in spring, and attractive fruit in fall. It is ideal anywhere that a small tree is needed, such as near a patio, in small yards, or under power lines. Like many white-flowered plants, these look especially attractive planted in front of a dark backdrop and flowers will be visible at night. There is a north American native species of fringetree (C. virginicus) as well, for those who prefer gardening with native plants. It is somewhat smaller with flowers that are less showy.
Chinese fringetree has been part of past Neighborwoods plantings in Galveston ‘s east end and some large specimens are visible in that area now. But the many trees installed on 27th Street are a real show-stopper. This tree is available in the nursery trade so I hope we will see more of these as residents discover their attractiveness and ease of care.
“Tree Stories” is an ongoing series of articles about Island trees, tree care, and tree issues. If you have or know of a special tree on Galveston Island that should be highlighted, please email treesforgalveston@gmail.com. Margaret Canavan is a Galveston resident, a Galveston County Master Gardener, and a member of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy Board.
Hurricane Ike caused the loss of 40,000 trees on Galveston Island. The Galveston Island Tree Conservancy was formed to address that loss and has replaced nearly 19,000 through grant-funded plantings and giveaways.
