Fringe Tree, White fringetree, Old Man's Beard, Fringe Tree

Chionanthus virginicus

Physical Characteristics

Chionanthus virginicus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Florida and Texas north to New Jersey, Ohio and Missouri.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - used as a pickle like olives[55, 177, 183]. The fruit is up to 18mm long, it has a thin pulp and contains 1 - 3 rounded seeds[227].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Aperient Cholagogue Diuretic Febrifuge Tonic The fringe tree was commonly used by the North American Indians and European settlers alike to treat inflammations of the eye, mouth ulcers and spongy gums[254]. In modern herbalism it is considered to be one of the most reliable remedies for disorders of the liver and gall bladder[238]. The dried root bark is alterative, aperient, cholagogue, diuretic, febrifuge and tonic[4, 21, 46, 222, 238]. It is used in the treatment of gallbladder pain, gallstones, jaundice and chronic weakness[254]. A tincture of the bark was once widely used internally in the treatment of hypertrophy of the liver, jaundice, bilious headache, gallstones, rheumatism etc[222, 238]. The root bark also appears to strengthen function in the pancreas and spleen whilst anecdotal evidence indicates that it may substantially reduce sugar levels in the urine[254]. Fringe tree also stimulates the appetite and digestion and is an excellent remedy for chronic illness, especially where the liver has been affected[254]. A tea or a poultice can be made from the root bark for external use as a wash for wounds, inflammations, sores, infections etc[4, 222]. The roots can be harvested at any time of the year, the bark is peeled from them and is then dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known