Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a native shrub or small tree that grows to about 20 feet tall and a spread of 10 to 15 feet. Also called 'Grancy Graybeard', fringetree is typically found along wooded bluffs. The white showy, fragrant flowers appear in April and in some years the entire tree will be covered in the flowers. One of the last trees to bear new leaves in spring, it appears dead until the leaves and flowers appear. Other features are dark-green, glossy foliage and a pale-gray trunk with bands of white. The fruit is olive-like in appearance and turns bluish-black in the fall. The long, lance shaped leaves turn yellow in the fall.
 
Uses: Fringetree can be used for wildlife food and cover.