Chionanthus virginicus, Fringe Tree, Old Man Beard, Grancy Greybeard
A native, spreading, deciduous shrub, or sometimes small tree, with opposite, usually elliptic, glossy green leaves, to 8 inch long. Fragrant white flowers are borne in pendant panicles, to 8 inch long, in summer: they are followed by small blue-black fruit, 1/2 inch long. Chionanthus species are late-leafing, attractive specimen plants. They are also suitable for a shrub border. Flowering and fruit is best in areas with long hot summer. Remove the lower branches to encourage a tree like habit.