Chinese fringe tree Chionanthus retusus
Chinese fringe tree (Chionanthus retusus) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Oleaceae family, native to China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 4–8 m (13–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Chinese fringe tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Chinese fringe tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chinese fringe tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Chinese fringe tree
- How far apart should I plant Chinese fringe tree?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–8 m (13–26 ft).
- Does Chinese fringe tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinese fringe tree need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chinese fringe tree?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Chinese fringe tree flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chinese fringe tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Chinese fringe tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chinese fringe tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
Notes and assumptions
- Covered in fleecy white strap-petalled flowers in late spring (Korean ipapnamu, “rice tree”).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris
- Common privet Ligustrum vulgare
- Forsythia Forsythia x intermedia
- Common jasmine Jasminum officinale
- Olive Olea europaea
- Sweet osmanthus Osmanthus fragrans
- Arabian jasmine Jasminum sambac
- Early lilac (Chinese lilac) Syringa oblata