Chionanthus is a genus of about 150 species, belonging to the olive family, Oleaceae. Most species are native to tropical Asia, but with some represented from the majority of warm regions of the world. Only one, C. retusa, is grown with any regularity in our area. I suspect that C. virginica from Eastern North America is also present in small numbers, but I have not observed it. Most of the other species are poorly known, but those from arid climates that experience some frost could be worth trialing.
C. retusus, also known as the Chinese fringe tree, is a lovely small tree with delicate white flowers that always command my attention during the short period they are in bloom, typically in March or April. Female trees can produce berries, provided a male tree is nearby. I find the berries attractive but others may find them messy. The bark is also interesting on some trees, peeling and showing a red color at times.
Its environmental needs are fairly typical for a temperate species, which means it lacks the heat and drought tolerance to really be an outstanding tree for our area, but it's quite nice looking when well cared for. It's also worth noting that C. virginica has been damaged by the emerald ash borer, which has recently been introduced to the West Coast. It's not yet clear how seriously this pest will affect other species of Chionanthus, but it has been responsible for the deaths of millions of ash trees in Eastern North America.
C. retusus, also known as the Chinese fringe tree, is a lovely small tree with delicate white flowers that always command my attention during the short period they are in bloom, typically in March or April. Female trees can produce berries, provided a male tree is nearby. I find the berries attractive but others may find them messy. The bark is also interesting on some trees, peeling and showing a red color at times.
Its environmental needs are fairly typical for a temperate species, which means it lacks the heat and drought tolerance to really be an outstanding tree for our area, but it's quite nice looking when well cared for. It's also worth noting that C. virginica has been damaged by the emerald ash borer, which has recently been introduced to the West Coast. It's not yet clear how seriously this pest will affect other species of Chionanthus, but it has been responsible for the deaths of millions of ash trees in Eastern North America.