Chionanthus foveolatus, commonly known as the Chinese fringe tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to China. Belonging to the Oleaceae family, it can grow up to 10 meters in height. The plant features a rounded crown and smooth gray bark that becomes fissured with age.
The leaves of Chionanthus foveolatus are dark green, glossy, and ovate with serrated edges. They can grow up to 15 centimeters long and turn yellow in autumn before falling off.
The Chinese fringe tree produces fragrant white flowers that bloom from May to June. These small but numerous flowers form clusters up to 20 centimeters long on the branches. Each flower has four petals and a yellow center.
Chionanthus foveolatus thrives in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade exposure. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 but may require protection from frost during the winter months.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Chionanthus foveolatus has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties and for treating liver diseases such as hepatitis B.
Overall, Chionanthus foveolatus is an attractive ornamental plant that adds beauty and fragrance to gardens while also offering medicinal benefits valued by traditional medicine practitioners.
Noronhia foveolata shows strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Noronhia foveolata is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand extensive experience in plant care.
How to keep Chionanthus Foveolatus.
Light
Noronhia foveolata is native to open habitats, like sunny meadows and the edges of forests, which offer abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to different sunlight levels.
Temperature
Noronhia foveolata comes from tropical areas where the climate is typically warm and humid. As such, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature swings and prefers a stable temperature environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It usually cannot withstand cold conditions and requires warmer temperatures for growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Noronhia foveolata is in early spring when it comes out of dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower formation. Fertilization benefits the foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are larger, more vibrant, and longer-lived. It helps transport nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant’s health and its resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Chionanthus
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 4.88 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
