White fringetree

Chionanthus virginicus L.

Family: OleaceaeZones: 3a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement. NC State has no poison severity line for this plant.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Chionanthus virginicus, not on the common name.. Old man's beard is also used as a common name for other, unrelated plants, for example the vine Clematis vitalba. Nothing is stated here about that vine's safety. Always check the Latin name Chionanthus virginicus. Do not confuse white fringetree with Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus), which Clemson describes as taller, with smaller flower clusters that open after the leaves.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 12 to 30 ft tall (3.7 to 9 m) and 12 to 20 ft wide (3.7 to 6 m) in the quick facts; the text says generally 12 to 20 ft tall and wide. Clemson: 12 to 20 ft tall and wide; wild trees may be taller.
Where it comes from: NC State: central and eastern United States, Texas to New York and Massachusetts. Clemson: native throughout South Carolina and the southeastern United States.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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