By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – I can vividly recall the first time I ever laid eyes on a “Fringe Tree” (Chionanthus virginicus), also known as “Grandfather’s Beard.” I was driving to cover a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May in the 1980s. (They bloom in April now.) The specimen was in full, glorious bloom in the front yard of a house somewhere on Highway 49 near the Uwharrie Mountains.
I said, “Whoa, what is that?”
I had an expert who had all the answers to our gardening questions, so I discussed it with my first WPTF Weekend Gardener co-host, Erv Evans. I described the magnificent flowers on this small tree or large shrub, and Erv knew immediately what I was talking about, of course.
A perfect specimen cloaked in a mass of sinewy, creamy-white flowers is a sight to behold. They form a cloud of 4- to 8-inch-long panicles that resemble an old man’s beard. The more spectacular flowers are found on the male tree. There is an exceptional specimen in my neighborhood along my daily walking route, and I always get a kick out of seeing this showy bloom each spring.
You will likely find this tree at the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, a treasure trove of native plants. This deciduous tree grows from Virginia through much of the Southeast to the Gulf Coast, and as far north as Canada. My friend, Dr. Patrick McMillan, tells me the Fringe Tree has a pleasing, symmetrical shape. It will likely grow slowly to a height of 12 to 20 feet, according to my friends at the Cooperative Extension Service.
As I pass one every day on my neighborhood walking route, I notice a citrusy, somewhat lilac-like fragrance. The Fringe Tree is in the olive family, and its blooms have an exquisitely sweet aroma. They typically last a couple of weeks.
You will also find small, olive-like, dark blue berries on this tree in late summer to early fall. These appear on the female Fringe Tree, and birds seem to love them. I would not recommend trying to make jam or pie with them, however. I’m told they are not appetizing.
Grow the Fringe Tree in full sun for best results, though it will tolerate part shade. It is drought-tolerant and seems to prefer a neutral pH and well-drained soil, but it will also tolerate clay. The bark is quite interesting, and the fall color has a yellow hue, giving it three-season interest. Borers are the primary pest concern.
Several Fringe Tree cultivars may be available in North Carolina, including “Spring Fleecing,” “Emerald Knight,” “Prodigy,” and “Rachel’s Ribboncloud.”
As with most trees and shrubs, the root ball of a Fringe Tree should not be planted deeper than its original depth. The planting hole should be twice the diameter of the root ball. Add composted material such as North Carolina-based Daddy Pete’s. While Fringe Trees prefer a neutral pH, they can tolerate some soil acidity.
Water the plant well and backfill with native soil. Tamp it down to prevent air pockets, which can affect drainage and damage roots. Add about three inches of hardwood mulch, pine straw, or pine bark chips around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and protect the root system. Avoid piling mulch too high, and pull it away from the trunk.
A chance encounter on the way to a stock car race turned out to be a fortunate one. Not only did I discover the beauty of a unique, tough, native tree, but I also expanded my knowledge and curiosity about plants, something that has served me well in hosting a legendary show. How truly fortunate I have been.