Chionanthus pygmaeus

Common Names

Pygmy Fringetree, Pygmy Fringe Tree, Pygmy Fringe-Tree, Pigmy Fringe Tree, Dwarf Fringetree, Dwarf Fringe Tree

Summary

Chionanthus pygmaeus is a Florida-endemic, endangered small tree or shrub in the Oleaceae, native to central Florida scrub on dry sandy soils. It typically grows about 6 to 12 ft tall with a spreading to upright habit, features deciduous green foliage, and bears fragrant white fringe-like flowers in spring, followed by small purple drupes; the species is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants to produce fruit. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained sandy soils, and is not salt-tolerant; it is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. It grows slowly and is used as a specimen or accent plant in landscapes, while providing wildlife value through its fruit. Propagation is challenging, with cuttings difficult to root and seed dormancy complex and long-lasting; grafting onto C. virginicus rootstock is reported as the best method.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

120-144 inches

Spread

10-12 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun. Tolerates Partial Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, sandy soil

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Grafting

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, birds, bee flies