What does a Grancy Greybeard look like?

Grancy graybeard blooms with panicles of small flowers sporting narrow white petals, which from a distance looks like exploded white lilacs. Individual flowers have four to six petals, each 1 inch long and 1/6 inch across. They hang in clusters 4 to 6 inches long, giving a tree in full bloom a “bearded” look.

How big does a Grancy Greybeard tree get?

Grancy Greybeard size can vary; fringetrees can grow 12 to 30 feet tall. It tolerates highly acidic soils and mild coastal sites well, and grows up to 1 foot per year.

What is a graybeard tree?

Fringetree, also commonly called Grancy Greybeard and Old Man’s Beard, is a small deciduous tree that bursts into bloom in the spring. The flowers are composed of narrow, ribbon-like petals that are snowy white. In fact, the fringetree’s botanical name means “snow flower.”

How do you propagate a fringe tree?

Propagation of fringetrees is usually by seed. Seeds are planted in fall with young trees sprouting the second spring after planting. Propagating native white fringetrees by cuttings has not been successful. Some trees are grafted onto ash understocks.

Is fringe tree fruit edible?

The fruits are reportedly edible for humans, too, especially if pickled (Chionanthus is a member of the olive family, Oleaceae) though I have never tried them. Throughout the season the oppositely arranged, entire leaves remain clean and attractive, with little interference from diseases or insects.

How fast do fringe trees grow?

Fringe tree grows slowly, under ideal conditions possibly 8 to 10 feet in 10 years. Fringe tree is adaptable to a variety of light conditions and soils. Trees grow well in full sun to partial shade on moist, rich, well-drained soils.

How can you tell if a fringe tree is male or female?

Fringe trees are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The male plants are more impressive in bloom because of longer petals, but the female plants bear the blue, plum-like fruits that are attractive to wildlife.