Chionanthus virginicus

Apr 2 • Written by Carmin Nezat

Chionanthus virginicus, the American fringe tree is native to North America. It is becoming less common in the wild and frequently looked over in terms of landscaping and gardening due to the showier and more-compact appearance of the Chinese fringe tree, Chionanthus retusus. The genus name “Chionanthus” comes from the Greek “chion” meaning snow, and “anthus” meaning flower. But this tree gets its common name(s) from the narrow hanging white flowers that have a fringe-like appearance which also give this tree the nicknames like “old man’s beard”-(not to be confused with Usnea lichen), “grancy greybeard”, and “grandaddy graybeard.”  In the late summer and fall, the pollinated female flowers will produce olive-like fruits (it is in the Oleaceae or Olive family) or “drupes” that are a food source to birds and other wildlife. 1 2 

Chinese fringe tree is not yet known to be invasive, although with the frequent import and installment of it for ornamental horticulture, there is always a potential for problems to arise in the future. Planting native flora vs not native is always best for the ecosystem and especially the faunal diversity. Not to mention that native plants will handle the seasonal weather conditions and sudden changes much better than non-native plants that are not meant to grow in our local environments. 

The American Fringe tree can and has been used medicinally via its inner bark and roots. A decoction or tincture acts on the digestive organs, urinary tract and venous system to relieve congestion. It is a very effective gallbladder remedy in addition to it being a bitter tonic that has blood purifying, laxative and diuretic qualities. It stimulates bile flow and helps relieve intestinal gas and bloating. It is a cooling, drying and astringent herb specifically indicated for it’s cholagogue, choleretic, antiseptic, diuretic and laxative actions. 3 4  

Traditionally, the Koasati (Coushatta) used a decoction of the bark for a dermatological aid as a wash for cuts. 5 The Choctaw would apply a poultice of the beaten bark to cuts and bruises, a decoction of the bark as a wash or poultice to dress cuts, wounds and bruises, and/or as a disinfectant for the same ailments.6

1 LSU Garden News: Chinese fringe trees put on a flower show (and they smell great too) | Home/Garden | theadvocate.com 
2 Meet the Trees: The American Fringe Tree and Chinese Fringe Tree | June 18, 2018 - Friends of the Public Garden 
3 Easley, Thomas and Steven Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory; A Medicine Making Guide. North Atlantic Books. Berkeley, California. 2016. Fringe Tree, p.233-234. 
4 Tilger, Dr. Sharol Marie. Herbal ABC’s; The Foundation of Herbal Medicine. Wise Acres LLC. 2018. Fringe tree, p.113-114.  
5 Taylor, Linda Averill, 1940, Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes, Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University, page 50. BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany DatabaseChionanthus virginicus. 
6 Taylor, Linda Averill, 1940, Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes, Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University, page 50. Bushnell, Jr., David I., 1909, The Choctaw of Bayou Lacomb, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, SI-BAE Bulletin #48, page 23. BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database Chionanthus virginicus.